Updated

President Trump said this week the US will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, citing ongoing 'productive' talks, after reports surfaced of Pentagon preparations for large-scale strikes. In Tehran, the pledge has been read by hardliners as either a bluff or a three-week window of opportunity, with some officials openly urging Iran to strike first before any post-election resumption of US action. Iranian officials have said they are ready for a prolonged war if necessary, and commentary suggests the gap between diplomacy and renewed fighting is narrowing. The episode is also feeding into US domestic politics, with questions over how the broader Iran conflict could affect the midterm elections.