Add as a preferred source on GoogleTrump Rules Out Bombing Iran Before Midterms as Talks Yield No Breakthrough
The evacuation order covers only Saudi Arabia, while Washington and Tehran remain divided over the talks’ agenda.
President Donald Trump said Oct. 22 that the United States would not bomb Iran before the midterm elections, as Washington and Tehran remain divided over what to address first in negotiations.
The State Department ordered nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia after attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi civilian targets. The order applies only to Saudi Arabia.
The United States is moving another aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship carrying Marines toward the region, while a third carrier strike group approaches from the Pacific. The regional U.S. fleet has about 20 vessels; it would exceed 24 if the additional ships arrive and none rotate out.
Washington wants talks to address Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran wants to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz first. Pakistan and Qatar are stepping up mediation, but the talks have made no breakthrough.
Trump had previously ruled out military strikes before the Nov. 3 midterms.
Riza Dagoc
Riza Dagoc reports on regulation, investing and the digital-asset business for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.