# Iran prolongs talks to influence U.S. midterms

> Iran delays peace talks to weaken Trump ahead of U.S. elections.
- Title: Iran prolongs talks to influence U.S. midterms | Shortify
- Summary: Iran delays peace talks to weaken Trump ahead of U.S. elections. Iran is prolonging negotiations with the U.S. to undermine Trump's political standing before…
- Keywords: iran, u.s., trump, midterms, peace talks, stalemate, political influence, news, politics, world, prolongs, talks
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/20/world/politics/iran-prolong-us-talks-midterm-influence
- Author: Parisa Hafezi
- Published: 2026-10-20T10:49:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iran, u.s., trump, midterms, peace talks, stalemate, political influence, news, politics, world
## Iran prolongs talks
Iran has deliberately prolonged negotiations with Washington to weaken U.S. President Donald Trump politically ahead of November's U.S. midterm elections.

> Iran is preparing for renewed Israeli and U.S. attacks, not for a deal with America to end the war
## Tehran's strategy
Senior Iranian officials claim Tehran is convinced Trump is ready to resort to renewed attacks to break the eight-month-old war stalemate.

> The clerical establishment is determined not to give Trump a political victory
## Stalemate fears
Deep distrust of Washington and fears of renewed military action have reinforced Tehran's reluctance to strike a quick deal to end the war.
## Key takeaway

Iran is prolonging negotiations with the U.S. to undermine Trump's political standing before November's midterm elections.