What happened
The White House has requested the Pentagon to prepare options for potential strikes on Iran before the upcoming midterm elections. This move could lead to a significant increase in oil prices, with Brent crude already surpassing $105 a barrel. The plans are being drafted by US Central Command, but the scope and targets of the strikes are still under discussion.
According to administration officials, the goal of the potential strikes would be to give the president a perceived victory before the elections. However, it is unlikely that the strikes would force Iran to negotiate or lead to a decrease in gas prices before the elections.
The US and Iran have been engaged in talks, but they have been stalled for months due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The latest round of negotiations, mediated by Qatar, did not bring the two sides closer to a deal.
The potential strikes have sparked concerns about the impact on oil prices, which have already become a major issue for Republicans ahead of the elections. A recent poll found that only 3 in 10 voters approve of the president's handling of Iran, and 59% of his own voters blame the war for rising energy costs.
