Trump Hints at Possible Strike on Iran Before US Midterm Elections
US President Donald Trump has hinted at a new military action against Iran as the conflict between the two countries continues. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly discussing a large-scale strike on Iran before the US midterm elections in November.
“Just wait until you see what we’re going to do to Iran. We’re going to do something big,” Trump told supporters at a campaign event for the Republican Party ahead of the midterms in Alaska, Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday (14 October 2026).
“We’ve had enough. You know, we’ve had enough,” he said.
“They’re just waiting. They’re waiting,” the US president added.
“We’ve had enough, but you know that doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that they will not have nuclear weapons,” Trump said.
Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran have stalled in recent weeks, with the two countries continuing to disagree, particularly over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global oil and gas supplies.
Trump and Netanyahu reportedly weigh strike on Iran before US midterms
Trump’s remarks followed a report by US media outlet Axios on Tuesday (13 October) that he and Netanyahu were discussing launching a major military operation against Iran ahead of elections in both countries.
The US midterm elections are scheduled for 3 November, while Israel’s legislative election is set for 27 October.
Axios, citing two US officials and other sources familiar with the matter, reported that the discussions took place before Trump publicly said he would not attack Iran before the US midterms.
During the discussions, Netanyahu presented Israeli intelligence indicating that Iran was trying to rebuild its nuclear programme, including possibly operating the Pickaxe Mountain site for uranium enrichment, Axios reported.
White House denies talks on new strike against Iran
An unnamed White House official denied that such discussions had taken place, describing media reports about Trump and Netanyahu discussing plans for an attack on Iran as “false”.
The White House spokesperson stressed that Trump had ruled out the possibility of striking Iran before the US midterm elections.
However, according to various sources cited by Axios, US and Israeli forces remain on alert and are finalising preparations in case Trump changes his mind.
One US official described Trump’s position as non-binding. According to the official, Trump had also asked Netanyahu to be ready, without making any commitment.
Axios reported that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) were among the strongest advocates of a new strike against Iran. Most of Trump’s advisers, meanwhile, preferred continuing sanctions and economic pressure on Tehran.
Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, reportedly told the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, that the fighting, which has continued for three weeks, could force a delay to Israel’s election because of the risk of Iranian retaliation.