OMM Newsroom
US President Donald Trump may be more inclined to approve a large-scale military operation against Iran if Republicans perform poorly in next week’s midterm elections, according to a report published Friday, Anadolu Agency reported.
A US official told “Axios” that “if he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised, he will do something bold”. The official said that message was being conveyed to Iranian officials, who were being told their best chance to reach a deal was now.
A White House official rejected the suggestion that the election results would affect Trump’s decisions on Iran, telling the outlet they would not be a factor.
Qatari mediators seek to restart talks
Qatari mediators spent more than 12 hours in Tehran on Friday and remained in regular contact with the White House in an effort to restart direct talks between Washington and Tehran, the report said. A diplomatic source described “positive progress”, with discussions due to continue in Doha on Saturday.
Negotiations have stalled over competing demands, according to a US official. Washington wants Iran to make nuclear concessions as part of any return to negotiations, while Tehran is insisting that the US first lift its naval blockade, release frozen funds and allow oil sales.
Doha is urging Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit its bombed nuclear sites in exchange for limited sanctions relief, the report said.
Trump advisers divided over Iran policy
The report described divisions within Trump’s circle. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are skeptical of a deal and support further weakening Iran’s leadership, while Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner favor resuming talks.
The report comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global energy shipments.
The US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation in the region. Despite subsequent diplomatic efforts and a memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran in June, tensions have persisted over security arrangements and navigation through the strait.
