Iran sees slim chance of U.S. deal before midterms

Iranian officials have privately expressed pessimism about reaching a deal with the U.S. to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to people familiar with the matter. Talks in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly last week made little progress, and Tehran believes there is a high chance of conflict escalating after the vote, the sources said. Iran has stated it remains open to diplomacy but distrusts the Trump administration's commitment to any agreement. The White House shares similar distrust toward Tehran, and President Donald Trump has previously doubted a deal could be reached before the midterms. The sources requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.