World AffairsThe GuardianWed, May 27, 2026, 5:54 PMNegative

Trump accuses Iran of stalling peace deal to ‘outwait’ him until US midterms

President Donald Trump has accused Iran of delaying a peace agreement in hopes of gaining more favorable terms before the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, stating that Iran believes it can outwait him. This assertion was made during a cabinet meeting at the White House, where he also called for strengthening the Abraham Accords.

Trump accuses Iran of stalling peace deal to ‘outwait’ him until US midterms

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    President Donald Trump has accused Iran of delaying a peace agreement in hopes of gaining more favorable terms before the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, stating that Iran believes it can outwait him. This assertion was made during a cabinet meeting at the White House, where he also called for strengthening the Abraham Accords.

  • Why It Matters

    This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Trump’s comments reflecting a strategy to frame the negotiations in a way that may influence public perception ahead of the elections.

  • The Bigger Picture

    The situation underscores the complex dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations, where recent talks have shown some progress towards a ceasefire, yet conflicting statements from both sides reveal a lack of consensus. Iran has expressed concerns over U.S. contradictions and external influences, complicating the path to a potential agreement.

Ask WPN AI

Related Reports

More coverage on this story

10 reports across the wire

NPR
May 27

Trump says Iran 'negotiating on fumes,' insists midterms won't impact his war strategy

President Trump has stated that negotiations with Iran are currently lacking momentum, describing them as 'negotiating on fumes,' while asserting that the upcoming midterm elections will not influence his strategy regarding the ongoing conflict. This statement reflects the administration's stance on the urgency and direction of diplomatic efforts.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 27

Middle East crisis: Rubio says ‘some progress’ on US-Iran deal after Trump says ‘maybe we’ll just have to finish the job’ – as it happened

During a recent cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Iran's perceived stalling of a peace deal, suggesting they aim to delay negotiations until after the U.S. midterm elections. He indicated that some progress has been made towards an agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has escalated tensions in the region.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 25

Each side spins a different story about the US-Iran peace talks – but Tehran may have the last word | Rajan Menon

Recent developments in the US-Iran peace talks have created a confusing narrative, with President Donald Trump initially considering military action against Iran but later expressing optimism about reaching an agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated that a resolution could be forthcoming. This sequence of events highlights the volatility of the situation and the differing perspectives on the negotiations.

World Affairsneutral
Global News
May 27

Trump says Iran ‘negotiating on fumes’ in talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz

President Trump stated that negotiations with Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are currently unclear, describing the Iranian regime as 'negotiating on fumes' during a Cabinet meeting. He expressed confidence that a deal is near but warned of potential decisive actions if progress is not made soon.

World Affairsneutral
NBC News
May 23

Trump says he won’t ‘rush’ into a deal with Iran, softening hopes of an imminent agreement

President Donald Trump announced that he will not rush into a deal with Iran, following warnings from senior Republican lawmakers about the potential risks of a hasty agreement. This statement comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

World Affairsneutral
NBC News
May 25

Iran says no deal ‘imminent’ despite progress in talks with U.S.

Iran has stated that an agreement to end the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel is not imminent, despite recent progress in negotiations. President Donald Trump had previously raised expectations about a potential deal but later tempered those claims, emphasizing the need for careful deliberation.

World Affairsneutral
France 24
May 24

'Time is on our side': Trump tempers expectations of a peace deal with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has advised diplomatic representatives to avoid rushing into a peace deal with Iran, indicating that the ongoing negotiations are still in progress. This statement comes as discussions focus on reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz while postponing talks regarding Iran's nuclear program.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 24

What may be included in proposed Iran ceasefire deal?

Proposed negotiations for a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran are reportedly advancing, with a framework that includes a 60-day truce, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and renewed discussions on Iran's nuclear program. President Trump has indicated that a memorandum of understanding has been largely negotiated, although specific details remain limited.

World Affairsneutral
NPR
May 25

Trump says more countries should normalize ties with Israel in any Iran deal

President Trump has stated that more countries should normalize relations with Israel as part of any potential deal with Iran, which has led to tempered expectations regarding an imminent resolution to the ongoing conflict. An Iranian delegation is currently in Doha for further discussions.

World Affairsneutral
The Guardian
May 23

Trump to meet with US negotiators to decide on Iran’s ceasefire proposal

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with American negotiators to evaluate Iran's ceasefire proposal, indicating a critical juncture in U.S.-Iran relations. Trump described the situation as a 'solid 50/50' chance of either reaching a favorable agreement or escalating military action against Iran. The meeting is expected to conclude with a decision by Sunday on the U.S. response.

World Affairsneutral