Iranian officials expect high risk of conflict escalation after US elections

Iranian authorities anticipate a high likelihood of conflict escalation with the United States following the November 3 midterm Congressional elections, according to Bloomberg, citing sources. Tehran does not expect an agreement on ending hostilities or lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz before the vote. Last week's UN General Assembly meetings yielded no results, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remains in the US for mediated talks via Pakistan and Qatar without American participation. On September 27, President Donald Trump did not rule out strikes on Iran either before or after the elections, stating he considers such a scenario but will not disclose specific plans in advance.