US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that America will not strike Iran before the November midterm elections. His statement came a day after a report said the White House had asked the Pentagon to draw up options for such strikes.The Atlantic reported on Wednesday that the White House asked the Pentagon to develop strike options against Iranian targets, citing two administration officials. The report said President Trump had not made a final decision.Trump contradicted that timeline in a social media post on Thursday, declaring there would be no attack on Iran before the midterms on November 3.

Oil prices fell after his post, though analysts noted they remain high on the day.US Central Command is developing the options, one official told the magazine. The report said planners are debating the targets and the scope of any operation. Axios separately reported that the Pentagon was told to finish preparations for a possible return to major fighting.Administration officials linked the planning to Trump’s desire to show progress in the conflict and lower petrol prices before the vote.

Critics warn that new strikes could push oil prices up instead.