Trump says U.S.-Iran talks are productive, rules out strike before Nov. 3 midterm vote

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is engaged in what he described as "productive discussions" with the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Odaily. He also said the U.S. would not attack Iran at any point before the Nov. 3 midterm election in the United States. In the same remarks, Trump said Iran was in a "very bad" economic and military position and that the blockade would remain fully in effect. He added that oil was moving through the Strait of Hormuz at record volumes, saying 22 million barrels passed through the waterway the previous night and that none of those barrels came from or were headed to Iran. Trump also repeated that Iran would not have nuclear weapons. The remarks, as cited by Odaily, did not include additional details on the discussions or any further policy steps beyond his comments on timing, sanctions pressure, oil flows and Iran's nuclear status.