Poor Midterm Results Could Trigger Major Trump Strikes on Iran: Report

WASHINGTON, Oct 31: President Donald Trump could be more inclined to approve a large-scale military operation against Iran if Republicans suffer significant losses in next week's U.S. midterm elections, according to a report citing a U.S. official.

“If he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised, he will do something bold,” the official told Axios, adding that Iranian officials were being told that their best opportunity to reach a deal was now.

However, a White House official rejected the suggestion that the election outcome would influence Trump's decisions on Iran.

The report comes as Qatari mediators stepped up efforts to revive direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran and avert a possible escalation after the midterm elections.

Qatari mediators spent more than 12 hours in talks in Tehran on Friday and remained in regular contact with the White House, Axios reported. A diplomatic source described the discussions as showing “positive progress,” with further talks expected to continue in Doha.

The negotiations remain complicated by major differences between the two sides. According to the report, Washington is seeking nuclear concessions as part of any renewed negotiations, while Tehran has demanded that the United States lift its naval blockade, release frozen Iranian funds and allow the resumption of oil sales.

One proposal being discussed involves allowing United Nations nuclear inspectors access to Iranian nuclear sites damaged in previous attacks in exchange for limited sanctions relief.

Trump's inner circle also appears divided over whether to pursue diplomacy or take further military action. According to the report, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are skeptical about reaching a deal, while Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner support renewed negotiations.

The diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and growing concerns among Gulf countries about the consequences of a renewed conflict.

U.S. officials have reportedly warned regional allies to prepare for the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections and for possible Iranian retaliation against critical infrastructure and energy facilities. However, officials say no final decision on military action has been announced