Trump Iran policy unlikely to shift despite midterms — SkimNews
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- Trump claimed only 'one or two targets' remain in Iran and that the crisis could be resolved in 10 minutes, while acknowledging ongoing diplomatic messages with Tehran.
- John Bolton stated that even if Democrats win control of both chambers, Trump can veto funding restrictions, limiting Congress’s leverage over the Iran war.
- Alan Eyre identified a 'bipartisan consensus' between Democrats and Republicans on opposing Iran’s political structure and maintaining pressure to change its behavior.
- Tehran confirmed indirect talks via Doha and Muscat, while warning of a 'crushing response' to new U.S. strikes on underground nuclear sites.
- Shahin Modarres argued Iran miscalculates by assuming a Democratic Congress could restrain Trump, noting the post-election window may bring accelerated U.S. military action.
- Bolton suggested Trump might strike Iran’s alleged Kuh-e Kolang nuclear site, declare victory, and withdraw—framing it as a potential post-election maneuver.
- Eyre criticized U.S. diplomacy for failing to deliver a coherent message to Iranian society, highlighting a persistent gap between American rhetoric and actions as seen by ordinary Iranians.
Why it matters: Even if Democrats gain full control of Congress, Trump retains authority to sustain or escalate military action against Iran without approval, and the bipartisan consensus on curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions limits meaningful policy shifts—meaning the election is unlikely to alter the trajectory of U.S. Iran policy despite public Democratic opposition.
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