US official warns Trump may strike Iran if Republicans lose midterms

An unnamed U.S. official warned that President Donald Trump may order a major military operation against Iran if he feels embarrassed by Republican losses in the upcoming midterm elections, causing widespread alarm. The warning, reported by Axios, suggests Trump could act boldly if Republicans lose badly, with officials reportedly telling Iranians their best chance for a deal is now. Qatar sent Iran a draft peace plan Sunday, but a senior Iranian official dismissed it as unacceptable. Critics fear a deadly escalation, with some analysts saying Trump seeks to reassert dominance through unlimited presidential powers. Others, including former Obama official Tommy Vietor, dismissed the warning as spin to pressure Tehran into accepting U.S. terms.