Iran is deliberately prolonging talks with the United States to try to weaken President Trump politically before November’s US midterm elections, according to a news report citing unnamed senior Iranian officials. The officials stated that Tehran is convinced the US leader is ready to relaunch attacks on Iran to break the deadlock in the eight-month war, and that Iran is preparing for renewed Israeli and US attacks, not for a deal. One official added that the clerical establishment is determined not to give Trump a political victory. Trump has previously said the US will not bomb Iran again before November 3, but Tehran reportedly still expects bombardment to resume.