Washington (Monitoring Desk): The US news website Axios, citing American officials, has claimed that President Donald Trump could approve a major military operation against Iran if the Republican Party suffers losses in the upcoming midterm elections.
According to the report, a US official said that if the election results make Trump feel politically weakened or embarrassed, he could take a major and unprecedented step. This message is also being used to convince Iranian officials that the current moment offers the best opportunity to reach an agreement with the United States.
However, a White House official rejected this impression, saying that Trump's decisions regarding Iran would not be based on the election results.
Meanwhile, Qatari mediators are working to revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. According to Axios, Qatari mediators held talks in Tehran for more than 12 hours on Friday and remained in constant contact with the White House during the discussions. Reports indicate positive progress in the negotiations, while further meetings are expected to take place in Doha.
The United States wants the new agreement to include issues related to Iran's nuclear programme, while Tehran is demanding that Washington first end its naval blockade, release frozen Iranian assets and lift restrictions on oil sales.
According to the report, there are also differences within the Trump administration over how to deal with Iran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly sceptical about the prospects of a new agreement and favour further military pressure. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner support reviving negotiations.
Thus, both a diplomatic solution and military action remain under consideration in Washington over the Iran issue, while Qatar continues its efforts to revive negotiations.