Iran 'negotiating on fumes', says Trump, shrugs off midterm's impact on war

Former President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that Iran is 'negotiating on fumes' and rejected the idea that the upcoming midterm elections would influence U.S. strategy in ongoing talks to resolve the nearly three-month-old conflict. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence that a deal is within reach, though he acknowledged lingering disagreements with Tehran. He emphasized that Iran wants an agreement but has not yet met U.S. demands, warning that if a settlement fails, the U.S. will 'finish the job.' The proposed deal includes Iran’s commitment to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium—a key Trump demand—in exchange for sanctions relief, according to two regional officials and a senior Trump administration official. However, the specifics of uranium disposal remain unresolved, with negotiations set to continue for 60 days. Some uranium may be diluted, while the rest could be transferred to a third country, though Trump ruled out Russia or China due to their close ties with Iran. Trump’s stance has drawn criticism from Republican allies, including Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Cruz, who argue the terms resemble the 2015 nuclear deal he previously abandoned. The U.S. also faced backlash from Iran after Monday’s Pentagon-led strikes on missile sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran, which Tehran condemned as a breach of the ceasefire. The negotiations come as Republicans grapple with public dissatisfaction over rising costs and fuel prices, complicating Trump’s political landscape ahead of the midterms. Despite skepticism, Trump insisted the talks are progressing, dismissing concerns about timing. 'They thought they were gonna outwait me,' Trump said. 'I don’t care about the midterms.' The outcome of the discussions remains uncertain, with key issues still unresolved.