President Donald Trump revealed indirect talks with Iran and pledged not to resume military strikes before the U.S. midterm elections, as voter concerns over the conflict persist.
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that indirect negotiations with Iran are underway and pledged not to resume military strikes on the country before the U.S. midterm elections.
In a post on social media, Trump said his team is “having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” though he did not provide more specifics.
For weeks, Trump has threatened a post-midterm escalation in the war, despite initial promises that the conflict would last only a matter of weeks. Negotiations have stalled since late last month, when Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the U.S. met certain conditions.
Iran proposed reopening the key waterway and resuming discussions on its nuclear program within a week if the United States lifted its blockade of Iranian ports.
During a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, this week, Trump announced that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is engaged in indirect negotiations with Iranian officials.
“He’s working on the Iran deal and doing very well,” Trump said. “I think the deal isn’t really something that I want to do, but they’re willing to offer us anything to stop.”
With less than a month until the midterm elections, the Iran war remains a concern for many voters. According to a recent Pew Research survey, 65% of respondents disapprove of how Trump is handling U.S. military action in Iran, while 33% approve.
The issue could impact the balance of power in November.
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