Putin Offers Aid to Tehran as Trump Signals No Strikes Before Midterms

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow is ready to assist in ending the conflict, claiming Tehran was not responsible for its outbreak. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that productive talks are underway with Iran, pledging that Washington will not launch strikes before the November 3 midterm elections, though economic and maritime blockades remain fully in place.

During a meeting on the margins of a regional summit of former Soviet states, Putin expressed Moscow's readiness to help Tehran reach a peaceful resolution. According to Interfax, Putin told Pezeshkian that Russia is prepared to do everything possible to assist. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also warned on X against the severe consequences of U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.

Simultaneously, President Trump posted on Truth Social addressing the ongoing situation. Trump emphasized that while Iran faces severe economic and military pressure and blockades remain active, the United States will not attack Iran prior to the midterm elections. Despite diplomatic engagement, Trump reiterated the firm U.S. stance on nuclear non-proliferation, declaring that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons.

The White House and the Pentagon continue to weigh all options, while Iranian officials remain defiant regarding their nuclear program. Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, stated that enrichment activities will not cease. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced further enforcement measures under the "Economic Pariah" campaign, imposing sanctions on 17 oil tankers and associated entities involved in shipping Iranian petroleum.