Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms

President Donald Trump said Thursday the U.S. will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm election, explicitly linking military action to the political calendar.

“We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections”

Trump reverses course in 24 hours

The announcement reverses Trump's stance from late Wednesday, when he said he did not want an Iran deal and reportedly weighed pre-election strikes against Tehran.

Public support for war has fallen sharply

Just 31 percent of Americans supported U.S. military action against Iran in an August Reuters slash Ipsos poll, down from 37 percent in March, while 83 percent expected the conflict to be prolonged.

Gas prices have climbed 40 percent in a year

Gas prices have climbed roughly 40 percent from a year ago, according to AAA data. The national average stood at 4 dollars 36 cents a gallon Thursday, up from 2 dollars 98 cents just before war began in late February.

GOP candidates distance themselves from Trump

The political fallout is showing up on the campaign trail. Numerous GOP candidates in competitive congressional races have tried to distance themselves from Trump, often on the Iran war.

U.S. sends more forces to the region

Meanwhile, the U.S. is sending roughly 9,000 sailors and Marines and a third aircraft carrier to the region, a buildup that could put three U.S. carriers in the Middle East by late October.