WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ruled out Thursday attacking Iran before the US midterms on November 3, saying Washington was holding "productive discussions" with Tehran. Trump's announcement on his Truth Social platform followed a surge in oil prices driven by media reports suggesting potential new US strikes prior to the elections. "I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect...we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections," he wrote. "We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added. The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that the White House had asked the Pentagon to develop options to strike Iranian targets that could be used before the midterms. The New York Times said Thursday the plans were being developed despite Trump's "ambivalence." The surge in crude oil prices has also been fueled by persistent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz -- a strategic chokepoint for the global oil trade