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Iran extends nuclear talks amid US political calculations, officials claim

Senior Iranian officials say Tehran is deliberately prolonging negotiations with Washington to influence November's US midterm elections. Deep mistrust of the US and concerns over potential military action have made Tehran reluctant to reach a swift agreement, officials added.

LSN Singapore · 20 October 2026

Iran extends nuclear talks amid US political calculations, officials claim

Iran is strategically extending talks with the United States as part of efforts to weaken political opponents ahead of the upcoming American midterm elections, according to senior Tehran officials. The deliberate delay underscores the intersection of nuclear diplomacy and US domestic politics, with Iranian leadership seeking to time any breakthrough for maximum political impact on Washington's domestic landscape.

Beyond electoral calculations, however, officials in Tehran cite deeper structural obstacles to rapid agreement. Entrenched mistrust of American intentions and fears that Washington could resume military pressure have strengthened Iran's negotiating stance, pushing officials toward a more cautious approach rather than accepting terms hastily.

The prolonged talks reflect the complex dynamics surrounding efforts to resolve the conflict and normalize relations. Iranian officials have signaled that security guarantees and assurances against renewed military intervention remain critical preconditions for any deal, suggesting negotiations are unlikely to accelerate in the near term.

The midterm elections scheduled for November could reshape the political dynamics influencing negotiations. Iranian officials appear confident that extending the current timeline serves their interests both diplomatically and strategically, as uncertainty in Washington may limit America's ability to exert pressure on the negotiating front.