Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has signalled it will not halt its operations in the Strait of Hormuz, even as US President Donald Trump ruled out an attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.
An IRGC Navy political deputy said on Friday that Iranian forces were conducting operations every night against vessels Tehran considers to be violating its rules, indicating that military activity in the strategic waterway is continuing alongside diplomatic efforts.
Trump said on Thursday that Washington and Tehran were holding “productive discussions”, adding that the United States would not attack Iran before the elections.
“We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said on Wednesday that Tehran was reviewing Washington’s response to its seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran would respond within the “next few days”, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Araghchi added that negotiations were continuing through mediators, leaving diplomatic engagement under way even as Iran signals it will maintain operations in the waterway.
US military plans take shape
Meanwhile, despite Trump’s public commitment not to attack before the elections. the New York Times on Thursday reported that Pentagon had drawn up options for a possible intensive three-day military campaign against Iran.
According to the Times, senior national security officials, led by Vice President JD Vance, discussed the plans at Camp David last Friday. The options reportedly include strikes on Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, energy facilities and IRGC command posts and headquarters.
The plans come as the IRGC seeks to rebuild its missile and drone arsenal, according to the report.
Axios separately reported that the Pentagon had instructed US Central Command (CENTCOM) to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran.
The directive reportedly set no date for strikes, and Trump had not made a final decision.
A renewed campaign could involve large-scale bombing of Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear targets, Axios reported. The New York Times also said three US aircraft carriers were expected to be in the Middle East in the coming weeks as part of a major military buildup.
