Trump Links Iran War End to Midterms, Cites Nuclear Ambitions

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that any "war" with Iran would conclude immediately after the upcoming midterm elections, asserting that Iran's primary objective is to acquire nuclear weapons. While emphasizing that the U.S. is not seeking a deal, Trump acknowledged the possibility of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. These remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nations, partly attributed to the U.S. administration's economic pressure policy.

Trump also predicted a significant drop in oil prices following the elections. Separately, he indicated plans to discuss sanctions imposed by Britain on settlements with Israeli officials. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources informed Reuters that the IAEA's Board of Governors approved a resolution to report Iran to the UN Security Council for violating its nuclear non-proliferation commitments. Iran's UN mission denounced the resolution as biased and political.

In other developments, the Financial Times reported that Iran is increasing its use of cryptocurrencies to maintain trade amidst U.S. sanctions and naval blockades. The Central Bank of Iran has reportedly encouraged traders to repatriate funds by any means necessary to support the struggling economy. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) denied claims by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking two U.S. destroyers, stating all such attempts failed. CENTCOM also reported destroying 10 Iranian oil tankers over the past week, which they claim funded the IRGC.

Satellite imagery analyzed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies revealed a significant increase in construction activity at the suspected nuclear site of Mount Makran in Iran over the past year. This site, located near the Natanz nuclear facility, has been a focus of intelligence concerns regarding potential clandestine nuclear program activities. The U.S. has previously suggested the possibility of striking Mount Makran.

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducted strikes in the Khan Yunis area and near the city of Gaza, with reports of two critically injured individuals following a motorcycle attack. In Lebanon, the IDF reportedly attacked Wadi Zukhin in the south of the country. The Red Cross announced renewed efforts to gain access to security prisons in Israel, with a technical meeting and site visit scheduled.

CENTCOM reiterated its denial of the IRGC's claims of attacking U.S. destroyers, calling the assertion false. The IRGC had claimed to have attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf in retaliation for the U.S. destroying five Iranian oil tankers. CENTCOM confirmed destroying five Iranian oil tankers after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles twice at a U.S. warship. Jordan reported intercepting 18 out of 20 missiles launched from Iran, with no casualties. U.S. officials confirmed no American casualties in Iran's attack on a base in Jordan.