U.S.-Iran Talks Are Stalled. Tehran is Reportedly Preparing for Renewed Attacks From Washington.
Both countries have been taunting each other, with the rhetoric escalating over the past days.

Iran is deliberately stalling potential talks with the U.S. to influence the outcome of the midterms in early November, according to a new report.
Citing senior Iranian officials, Reuters detailed that fears of new military action and a distrust of the Trump administration have contributed to the decision.
As a result, officials believe that President Donald Trump is ready to resume attacks to try to break the stalemate.
"Iran is preparing for renewed Israeli and US attacks, not for a deal with America to end the war," an official told the outlet. "The clerical establishment is determined not to give Trump a political victory."
Both countries are taunting each other in the meantime. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took on Trump over a recent claim that he could soon "finish the job" in the country. He also took on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Last time you wanted to 'finish the job,' Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too," Araghchi said in a social media publication.
Last time you wanted to "finish the job", Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 18, 2026
Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail, whatever the consequences for Israel—let alone POTUS.
The official went on to claim that Netanyahu is "driving America into another war to stay out of jail, whatever the consequences for Israel—let alone POTUS."
The remarks follow those of Trump, who on Sunday said in a post of his own that unless Tehran "change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job." He added that the U.S. might have to continue fighting Iran alone if someone other than Netanyahu is elected as Israel's prime minister in the upcoming elections, scheduled for October 27.
Trump also endorsed Netanyahu, calling him a "Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Netanyahu released a video responding to the endorsement, thanking Trump for the support and echoing his message about the strength of their partnership against Iran.
The Israeli prime minister told the president that "there has never been a greater friend of Israel's in the White House" and claimed that "America has been fortunate to have a leader of conviction, of clarity, of courage who faces down this [Iranian] threat to America and to Israel."
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