Iran prolongs talks in stalemate to influence US midterms, officials say

Iran is deliberately prolonging its talks with the US to undermine President Donald Trump's political standing ahead of the November midterm elections, according to senior Iranian officials. Suspicion of renewed military action from the US and a lack of trust in Washington have fueled Iran's reluctance to quickly resolve the eight-month-long conflict.

Iranian officials believe Trump is prepared to escalate attacks to break the deadlock. Iran is preparing for possible Israeli and US aggression, not for a deal to end the war. The clerical establishment in Iran is determined to prevent any political victory for Trump. Analyst Saeed Leylaz stated that by extending the talks, Iran is influencing the US election without engaging in unlawful actions.

The war, which started in February, has contributed to Trump's record low approval rating, as Americans' concerns over high gasoline prices could lead them to punish his Republican Party in the elections. Iran's attacks both real and threatened have kept sea traffic through the Strait of Hormuz minimal, while US maritime sanctions have reduced Iran's oil export revenues and intensified domestic economic hardships.

Iran refuses to make concessions that could benefit Trump politically, and there is little chance of a breakthrough before the elections. Under pressure from Israel, Washington wants Iran's long-standing nuclear program discussed from the outset, while Iran insists on meeting conditions set out in a seven-day plan before starting nuclear negotiations.

Iran's proposal to reopen the strait within seven days, if the US lifts its maritime blockade, eases restrictions on Iranian oil exports, releases frozen assets, and ends hostilities, remains on the table. Iran's distrust of Washington stems from past attacks that disrupted previous negotiations, including an Israeli strike on a sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman in June 2025.