Iran Declines to Give Trump Symbolic Victory in Middle East Conflict, Gulf Official Says
A senior Gulf official, familiar with ongoing negotiations, has asserted that Iran is refusing to provide the concessions necessary for former US President Donald Trump to "save face and leave" the Middle East conflict. This comes as Trump pushes for a deal to end weeks of intense fighting, with the official noting that Trump "badly wants this to end" and would accept compromises, but Tehran has resisted offering Washington a symbolic win to allow an exit on his own terms.
Political Pressure and Public Opinion at Home
Trump has attempted to downplay the war, calling it a "little diversion" during a campaign-style event in Las Vegas, while referencing Iran's nuclear ambitions and describing the country as a "lovely place." However, polling indicates the conflict is proving politically costly domestically. An Ipsos survey found a majority of Americans believe the war is not worth its cost, and a Quinnipiac poll showed 65% of voters blame Trump for rising fuel prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with his approval ratings on handling Iran remaining low.
Fragile Diplomacy and Ongoing Tensions
Despite Vice President JD Vance publicly describing Washington's proposal as its "final offer," backchannel talks continue. On the ground, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect, with Trump urging Hezbollah to "act nicely and well" during the truce. Iran has welcomed the pause, linking it to a broader ceasefire understanding with the United States mediated by Pakistan. Yet tensions persist, as Israeli strikes killed civilians in southern Lebanon just before the truce began, and Hezbollah has signaled it could resume hostilities if attacks continue.
Sticking Points in Negotiations
Trump has insisted that Iran is close to agreeing to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile, though Tehran has not confirmed this. Key issues in negotiations include Iran's nuclear programme, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages, highlighting the complex challenges in reaching a lasting resolution.
