DUBAI: Iran has prolonged US negotiations to weaken President Donald Trump before the November 3 midterm elections, three senior Iranian officials and an Iranian insider told Reuters.
Speaking anonymously, the sources described deep distrust of Washington and little prospect of a breakthrough before the vote. They expect renewed military attacks despite continuing diplomatic exchanges.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. “The clerical establishment is determined not to give Trump a political victory,” one Iranian official said.
However, the deadlock also involves disagreement over the order of negotiations. Washington wants Iran’s nuclear programme on the agenda from the outset, while Tehran insists on implementing its seven-day plan first.
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That proposal, conveyed through Qatari mediators, offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week under Iranian control. In return, Tehran seeks an end to Washington’s maritime blockade and fewer restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
Iran also wants access to frozen assets and an end to hostilities on all fronts. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the proposal remained on the table.
He confirmed that the sides were exchanging messages through mediators. Trump has pledged that the US will not bomb Iran again before election day. Nevertheless, the Iranian sources expect strikes to resume eventually.
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One official linked Tehran’s distrust to attacks that disrupted earlier negotiations. An Israeli attack derailed plans for another round of nuclear talks in June 2025.
US and Israeli strikes in February followed a separate round of negotiations, with further technical discussions still scheduled.
