Opinion: By postponing a decisive strike to protect Republicans from an oil-price shock, Trump may give Iran time to ignite the Gulf before the midterms, cripple his party at the polls and leave him facing a hostile Congress

Trump repeatedly signals an imminent strike, then a diplomatic breakthrough, as Tehran pursues calibrated escalation; Gulf officials say Iran believes it can outlast the US, but…

Opinion: The US president wants a quick diplomatic victory and hopes to avoid another war, but renewed strikes, restraint and prolonged indecision each carry major strategic,…