Iran Delays Talks to Weaken Trump Ahead of US Midterms

Senior Iranian officials revealed in a conversation with Reuters that Tehran is intentionally prolonging negotiations with the United States to weaken President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections. Simultaneously, Iran is preparing for renewed attacks from Israel and the U.S. and is refusing to make concessions that could grant the U.S. president a political victory. "The regime is determined not to grant Trump a political win," one official stated.

According to the report, the war, which began in February with American and Israeli attacks on Iran, has damaged Trump's political standing. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows his approval rating has dropped to a low of 31%, with high fuel prices causing concern among American voters and potentially harming the Republican Party in the November congressional elections.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy trade route, remains effectively closed due to Iran's actions. Iranian threats and attacks have significantly reduced shipping traffic, while the U.S. naval blockade and economic sanctions have impacted Tehran's oil export revenues and worsened the country's economic crisis. Despite the heavy economic cost, Iranian sources clarified that Tehran is unwilling to make concessions that could politically aid Trump, indicating a very low chance of a breakthrough in negotiations before the U.S. elections.

The U.S. demands that Iran's nuclear program be included in negotiations from the outset, partly due to pressure from Israel. Tehran, however, insists that its seven-day plan conditions must be met before nuclear discussions begin. The Iranian proposal, conveyed through Qatari mediators, includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days while maintaining Iranian control. In return, Tehran seeks the removal of the U.S. naval blockade, easing of oil export restrictions, release of frozen Iranian assets, and a cessation of hostilities on all fronts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that the proposal is still on the table and messages continue to be exchanged via mediators. One senior Iranian official explained that the lack of trust in Washington also stems from previous attacks that, he claimed, interrupted negotiation attempts.