Esper: Iran to Maximize Leverage Before Midterms
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- Mark Esper said Iran will attempt to leverage as much as it can in peace negotiations with the U.S. ahead of the midterm elections
- Esper predicted that after the midterm elections, Trump will 'unleash' America's military might on Iran
- Esper stated that Trump's 'hand will become freer' after the midterms in pursuing action against Iran
Why it matters: Esper's framing turns pre-midterm diplomacy into a narrow window: Iran has direct incentive to extract concessions now, while Trump faces fewer political constraints to escalate after November, making any deal struck before the elections carry urgency that disappears post-midterms.
