Trump leaves door open to Iran strike before midterms, less than a day after ruling it out

President Donald Trump signaled Friday that he is not ruling out military action against Iran before the midterm elections, reversing his categorical denial from a day earlier. Asked outside the White House, Trump said, "We may. I mean, we'll see." He also praised Putin over a Russian diesel deal and discussed the Fort Hood shooter's execution.

President Donald Trump on Friday signaled he is not ruling out renewed US military action against Iran before the midterm elections, reversing his categorical denial from a day earlier. Asked outside the White House why the US was not acting now, Trump replied, "We may. I mean, we'll see." This marked a notable shift from his statement a day earlier that the US "will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections." Trump went on to portray Iran as severely distressed post-conflict, claiming its military is defeated and inflation has reached 300%. Separately, Trump praised President Putin over a newly announced energy agreement under which Russia will supply diesel fuel to the US and global markets, saying, "That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and I want to thank President Putin." He argued the additional supply would help drive energy prices lower. Trump also addressed the planned execution of Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter, saying he would be executed by firing squad and that he approved plans to livestream it. "I really don't care how he goes, as long as he goes," Trump said.