President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and insisted that the upcoming November midterm elections will not influence his handling of the three-month-old conflict. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence that an agreement is near, noting that both sides have “largely negotiated” a settlement, though final terms remain fluid.
The administration wants a deal that reopens the Strait of Hormuz and restricts Iran’s nuclear capabilities, balancing domestic concerns over rising fuel prices. Trump flatly rejected the idea that political timelines are shaping his foreign policy.
“They thought they were gonna outwait me. You know, ‘We’ll outwait him. He’s got the midterms,’” Trump said. “I don’t care about the midterms.”
While a certain agreement is attainable, the president acknowledged that key differences persist.
“They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. “So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be — either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”
Diplomatic efforts face several hurdles. The Pentagon recently conducted defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites and minelaying boats following a ceasefire, which Iran labeled an act of bad faith.
Domestically, Republican Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Cruz have scrutinized the emerging terms, warning they lean too favorably toward Tehran and resemble the 2015 nuclear deal Trump previously scrapped.
According to anonymous officials, the framework requires Iran to surrender its 440.9-kilogram stockpile of 60% enriched uranium for sanctions relief, with its disposition decided over a 60-day period. Trump noted Wednesday he “wouldn’t be comfortable” transferring that material to Russia or China.
Unresolved issues also include whether the ceasefire covers Lebanon, where Israel is currently expanding military operations against Hezbollah. Furthermore, Trump is pushing for regional nations like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to join the Abraham Accords as part of the deal.
While former State Department official Barbara Leaf stated regional leaders met the proposal with “stunned silence,” a source familiar with the matter disputed that account, stating some allies responded positively.
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