Trump’s growing list of campaign pledges: From the Politics Desk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged US President Donald Trump to authorize renewed airstrikes against Iran, according to a report by the Financial Times. Both leaders face declining public support ahead of upcoming national elections. Netanyahu, who trails in domestic polling, prepared plans earlier this month to target Iranian civilian infrastructure and nuclear sites. However, Trump rejected the proposal, citing his own plummeting approval ratings amid rising fuel costs in America. The US president stated that any military action must wait until after the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. The planned Israeli operation was set to launch during the weekend of October 10. It was designed to last several days and exceed the intensity of the joint US-Israeli offensive that began in February. Targets included power plants, nuclear facilities, and regime assets. Three sources familiar with the planning confirmed the scope of the intended strike package. The operation was halted due to explicit opposition from the White House. A fragile ceasefire established in April ended the worst of the previous bombing campaign, though sporadic attacks continue in the region as Washington and Tehran vie for control of the Strait of Hormuz. Anna Kelly, the deputy spokesperson for the White House, affirmed that the United States will not attack Iran prior to the midterm vote. Despite this official stance, one source indicated that Israel and the US might resume strikes within weeks to pressure Tehran into accepting a deal regarding the strait and its nuclear program. Israeli officials presented an updated list of targets to US counterparts, including civilian infrastructure that had not been struck earlier in the year. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Netanyahu in Israel on Monday to discuss these developments. Tensions between the two administrations have escalated recently through rhetorical exchanges. On Sunday, Trump publicly backed Netanyahu’s reelection bid. He warned that if Israel elected anyone other than Netanyahu, the United States would face the Islamic Republic alone, a burden he claimed he was unwilling to bear. The following day, Netanyahu released a video from an airbase showing himself speaking by phone with Trump while standing in front of a fighter jet. In the clip, Netanyahu told Trump, “Donald, you said we have a job to finish, and we will finish it together.” Trump replied, “You are a great warrior, and we will prove it very soon.” Iranian officials have responded to these maneuvers with warnings. They told Semafor that they believe the US and Israel may resume large-scale bombing before Israel’s elections take place on Tuesday. Iran’s foreign minister cautioned that Washington must accept that it has no viable military options, or else prepare for an infinitely more painful outcome. The Iranian position suggests that further escalation is likely if diplomatic channels fail to resolve disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear restrictions. Meanwhile, political dynamics in the United States influence this calculus. Trump is campaigning heavily on economic issues, particularly fuel prices. At a rally in Kansas, he pledged to make year-round sales of E15 ethanol permanent if Republican Senator Roger Marshall wins reelection. He contrasted this with the potential victory of Democrat Adam Hamilton, stating he would not implement the policy in that case. In North Carolina, Trump vowed to direct the Justice Department to settle veteran claims related to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, contingent on Republicans winning both chambers of Congress. In Kentucky, he announced a $100 million defense investment for the pharmaceutical company Anthea, linking the funding to the reelection of GOP Senate candidate Andy Barr. These campaign promises aim to secure legislative majorities that would facilitate such policies. Some proposals rely on executive authority, while others require congressional cooperation. A recent poll indicates that only 14 percent of US adults expect to receive the $5,000 payment Trump has promised if Republicans retain control of Congress. Most voters, including self-identified Republicans, remain skeptical of this pledge. Separately, diplomatic friction persists regarding Russia. Special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian following the release of American prisoner Stephen Hubbard. This statement drew bipartisan criticism in the US, with critics arguing it undermines Ukraine and rattles European allies. Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher, was convicted in Russia of mercenary service, charges he denied. Former US officials described him as a low-level detainee who did not work for the US government. The Israeli military has canceled leave orders for personnel, signaling readiness for potential operations. The interplay between electoral pressures in the US and Israel continues to shape strategic decisions regarding Iran. As election dates approach, both governments weigh the risks of military engagement against the benefits of perceived strength. The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts focused on preventing a return to full-scale conflict while maintaining leverage over Tehran’s nuclear activities and regional influence.