Post-Midterms, Trump Faces Pressure or War With Iran — SkimNews
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- Iran is likely to wait for Washington’s next move after the U.S. midterms, but not indefinitely; its leaders regard a “no-war, no-peace” status quo as unacceptable.
- Trump administration might continue the blockade and sanctions as a patient strategy; the stated rationale is that Iran needs time to reconstitute its arsenal or advance its nuclear program.
- Trump might believe he has little to lose from renewed war and see a decisive defeat of Iran as a chance to rebuild his political image, but a munitions shortage remains a practical constraint.
- Iran has incentives to negotiate but will demand substantial guarantees because its leaders do not trust that the U.S. and Israel would refrain from attacking during talks.
- Iran’s leaders believe they can absorb more economic pain after years of predicted economic collapse failed to materialize; the early-war killing of the supreme leader and other top officials has hardened regime leaders.
- U.S. election pressure has ended with the midterms, while the source says the American public clearly does not want a return to war.
Why it matters: For Trump, the blockade and sanctions provide two ways to maintain pressure without resuming war, while Iran’s leaders require substantial guarantees before negotiating. With U.S. midterm pressure removed, Washington must supply the next move, and Tehran’s ability to absorb economic pain makes an open-ended stalemate untenable for the regime.
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