US President Donald Trump says he will not order a new attack on Iran before the midterm elections on November 3. Speaking on the matter, he indicated that Washington is holding productive discussions. His use of the word new suggests strikes have already taken place at some point. The assurance frames the weeks ahead as a window for diplomacy rather than force. Midterm campaigns are sensitive to foreign policy shocks, and a fresh strike could have dominated the news cycle. Trump appears to be signalling calm to voters while talks continue in the background. What happens after the polls close is left open in his remarks.