IRAN PROLONGS TALKS TO UNDERMINE TRUMP BEFORE MIDTERMS

What happened: Senior Iranian officials say Tehran has deliberately prolonged talks with the US to weaken Donald Trump politically before the November 3 midterm elections, while preparing for renewed attacks. Key numbers: Annual inflation hit 73.6% in September; the rial fell nearly 35% against the dollar since July; seaborne crude exports fell to zero in the second week of September from a 14-day average of 230,000 Why it matters: Officials see little chance of a breakthrough before the elections, and analysts say deepened distrust makes a sustainable deal with the US no longer possible. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

Iran prolonging talks to undermine Trump before midterms signals geopolitical maneuvering ahead of US elections.

Iran prolonging talks to undermine Trump before midterms signals geopolitical maneuvering ahead of US elections. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.