Donald Trump Warns Iran Ahead of US Midterm Elections, Says Washington Could End Conflict ‘Really Quick’

US President Donald Trump has said Iran may step up its actions ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, while claiming Washington could bring the confrontation to an end quickly. Speaking at a campaign rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Saturday, Trump said Tehran might attempt to influence the US political climate but insisted he had shown restraint towards Iran.

“They'll probably do a little bit extra before the election, thinking it's going to hurt us, but we could end it really quick. They don't know how nice I've been to them,” Trump said, according to ANI. His remarks came days after he said the United States would not launch fresh attacks on Iran before the November 3 elections, citing ongoing discussions with Tehran.

Trump Says US Will Not Attack Iran Before Midterms

In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said Washington was having “productive discussions” with Iran and would not attack the country before the midterm elections. He also claimed Iran was in a difficult economic and military position, adding that the US naval blockade would remain in force. Trump reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Riyadh Airport Attack: 12 Killed, 309 Injured in Strike on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport.

However, his latest remarks suggest that he expects Tehran could intensify its actions before the vote. He did not specify what steps Iran might take or provide evidence for his assessment.

US-Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The US-Iran conflict has continued to affect regional security and energy shipments, with the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remaining a major point of contention. The US blockade has restricted Iranian oil exports, while attacks on commercial vessels have raised concerns about maritime security and disruptions to global energy supplies. The waterway handled around one-fifth of global oil consumption before the conflict, making developments in the region significant for international markets.

Trump has maintained that Washington holds the advantage in the confrontation and has claimed that the US could end it quickly. However, negotiations have yet to produce a lasting settlement, and tensions over maritime access and Iran's nuclear programme remain unresolved. Donald Trump Says US ‘May’ Join Saudi Strikes on Houthis.

Trump Says US Could Consider Action Against Houthis

Separately, Trump said Washington would consider whether to join Saudi Arabia in military action against Yemen's Houthi rebels following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. “We just found out about the recent attack — we'll make a decision,” Trump told reporters, adding that the administration would examine the situation.

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that the October 10 attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others. Several of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. The incident has added to regional tensions as Saudi Arabia faces attacks attributed to the Iran-backed Houthis. Any decision by Washington to join a Saudi military operation could further widen the conflict.

US Midterm Elections Scheduled for November 3

The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the US Congress, making them a major political test for Trump's administration and the Republican Party. Although Trump is not running for office in the elections, he has been campaigning for Republican candidates. His handling of the Iran conflict, including its potential impact on energy prices and regional stability, remains an important issue ahead of the vote.

Trump has said the US will refrain from attacking Iran before the elections, even as he warns that Tehran could step up its actions during the same period. The next steps in the conflict will depend on developments on the ground and the course of diplomatic discussions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2026 07:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).