Iran Extends US Negotiations to Undermine Trump Ahead of Midterms
Iranian officials say Tehran is deliberately dragging out talks with the United States to weaken Donald Trump politically before the November midterm elections.
Three senior Iranian officials and an insider, speaking anonymously, assert that Tehran is extending negotiations with the United States to deny Donald Trump a political win in the upcoming midterms. They argue the US president is prepared to launch fresh attacks to force a deal, while Iran is preparing for possible Israeli and US strikes instead of a peace settlement. Tehran’s offer, conveyed via Qatari mediators, would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days under Iranian oversight if Washington ends its maritime blockade, relaxes oil export restrictions, and releases frozen assets.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the proposal remains on the table, but officials doubt any breakthrough before the elections. Analysts note the strategy deepens Iran’s economic woes and reflects a profound distrust of Washington, making a durable post-Trump agreement unlikely.
Why it matters
The stalling tactic could shape US election outcomes and prolong instability in a vital oil shipping corridor.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Oil prices jump as US-Iran tensions flare and US troops leave Iraq
- Oct 2 The administration emphasized managing public expectations about a rapid settlement with Iran.
- Oct 5 Pezeshkian argued that three attacks have taken place since talks began, suggesting the U.S. aims to topple Iran. He said the adversary relies on assassination, sanctions and broken promises, making negotiations futile. The conflict started with U.S. and Israeli strikes in February and a June memorandum briefly outlined a resolution before Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz reignited fighting. Recent indirect talks at the UN failed to break the deadlock, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that only a just negotiation, not military force or new sanctions, could end the war.
- Oct 10 According to the Revolutionary Guard, the vessel hit a mine and burst into flames while transiting the Hormuz Strait. The flag of the ship has not been identified. The incident follows a series of recent attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf, including Iran's claim that it shot at a tanker using an "illegal channel." The flare-up has contributed to a rise in global oil prices and renewed worries about the security of one of the world’s key oil transit routes.
- Oct 13 Trump’s Strait of Hormuz announcement and dismissal of Iran’s UN proposal occurred alongside a Brent price jump and the departure of the final U.S. soldiers from Iraq.
- Oct 14 Iran announced a revised method for targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 17 A supertanker hit a sea mine in the strait, triggering a fire.
- Oct 17 President Pezeshkian issued a new statement declaring talks with the United States futile.
- Oct 20 US Central Command said about 400 ships and 100 million barrels of oil still transited the strait.
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