Trump walks back Iran strike talk as oil plunges; nuclear-strike rumors persist
Trump told reporters he is not considering striking Iran after the midterms and that a deal could happen, sending US crude down 7.4% to $96.46. Tucker Carlson's claim of an imminent nuclear strike and doubts about Trump's timing keep tension high.
What we know
An account on X and Spectator Index report Trump saying no to striking Iran after the elections, with First Squawk adding there is no rush to restart the war. Crude fell 7.36% to $96.46, and Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran on a draft deal. Skeptics: Another account on X says the comments are election-timed and that Trump has told allies he will strike after the midterms. Tucker Carlson's claim of a possible nuclear strike on Iran is amplified by another account on X and questioned by another account on X. JPMorgan sees any post-midterm escalation and selloff as a buying opportunity.
How the story developed
Trump told reporters he is not considering striking Iran after the midterms and that a deal could happen, sending US crude down 7.4% to $96.46. Tucker Carlson's claim of an imminent nuclear strike and doubts about Trump's timing keep tension high.
Tucker Carlson claims the Trump administration may be days from a nuclear strike on a site called Pickaxe Mountain, under pressure from Netanyahu. The claim is unverified but spread widely across sources, with Ryan Grim and others calling Carlson well sourced.
WSJ and other sources report Washington is proposing restoring Russian gas via Ukraine with escrowed proceeds, to incentivize an energy truce.
Russia reportedly lost over 54,000 troops in October with no net gains, while ISW says a localized Kherson ceasefire is largely holding.
Polish PM Donald Tusk allegedly sent police to storm the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw while President Nawrocki was abroad, with critics calling it a coup attempt.
Iran claimed two more attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia (intercepted), Russia struck a cargo ship near Odesa, and Ukraine is seeking trilateral talks in November.
Putin issued stark warnings about European war preparations and escalation risks, including a veiled threat about the Baltic Sea, while also signaling openness to restoring EU relations in a call with Norway and Finland.
Russia is set to extend its diesel export ban through year-end while Trump admin officials push American firms to accept Russian diesel crossing the Atlantic — but US companies are refusing over legal and reputational risks.
Russian President Putin has invited Ukrainian President Zelensky to Moscow for direct negotiations, offering security guarantees — a significant diplomatic signal ahead of the Fed decision and packed geopolitical week.
Ukraine fired long-range missiles for a third consecutive day targeting crucial Russian infrastructure, while ISW assessed that Ukraine has held the frontline initiative for much of 2026 and that Putin may be misled by fabricated progress reports from his own military.
By the Global Eye 24 desk, with AI assistance. Updated as the story develops. Spot an error? Write to corrections@globaleye24.com.