TRUMP TALKS DOWN AN IRAN DEAL AS STRIKE OPTIONS ARE PREPARED BEFORE THE MIDTERMS

What changed: NBC News reported that President Trump and his national security team have discussed possibly resuming large-scale military operations against Iran in the coming weeks, including strikes before the Nov. 3 midterms, citing a US official and another person familiar with the talks. The Atlantic reported that the White House asked the Pentagon for strike options before Election Day.

At a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday night, Trump said: “I think the deal isn’t really something that I want to do, but they’re willing to offer us anything to stop.” He also praised envoy Steve Witkoff’s progress.

In late September, Trump rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven-day deal to reopen Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.