Iranian officials pessimistic about deal with US before elections — The Japan Times

Iranian officials privately take a pessimistic view of the possibility of reaching an agreement with Washington before the US midterm elections in November to cease hostilities and open the Strait of Hormuz. The Japan Times reports, citing people familiar with the situation.

Negotiations in New York

According to the publication's sources, Iran and the United States made little progress during talks held last week in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Some of the sources were briefed by Iranian officials; they asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Tehran considers the likelihood of an escalation of the conflict after the November 3 vote to be high, the sources say.

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Mutual distrust

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated their readiness for diplomacy, but do not trust the administration of US President Donald Trump to abide by the terms of a possible agreement. The White House also does not trust Tehran.

President Trump previously expressed doubts that an agreement could be reached before the US midterm elections.