Crisis expert says time pressure may push Trump toward Iran deal
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – An international crisis management expert on Tuesday said that time pressure ahead of the U.S. midterm elections is weighing heavily on President Donald Trump amid the war with Iran, potentially pushing him toward ending the conflict or pursuing a political settlement.
In an exclusive statement to North Press, Isaac Andakian said that declining public approval linked to the war could compel Trump to prioritize ending the fighting before November, as Republicans seek to retain their majority in Congress.
“The clock is not working in Trump’s favor,” Andakian added, noting that growing domestic pressure and opinion polls showing reduced support for the president have turned ending the war into a political necessity for the Republican Party.
Commenting on Trump’s warning that Iran would face severe consequences if its leaders did not act quickly, Andakian pointed out that the remarks could indicate a renewed risk of escalation between the United States and Iran.
He indicated that ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, uranium enrichment, ballistic missiles and regional influence, despite multiple rounds of talks held in Muscat, Geneva and Islamabad.
The expert added that Trump’s statements could also fall within the framework of psychological warfare, describing the current confrontation as a form of irregular conflict in which messaging plays a central role.
Andakian suggested the timing of the remarks, following Trump’s visit to China, may signal that no framework understanding was reached with Chinese leadership regarding the Iran file.
“This may have prompted a warning message to Tehran, possibly paving the way for a new military action aimed at breaking the deadlock in negotiations,” he said.
According to Andakian, Tehran is aware of the time pressure facing Trump and may seek to prolong the crisis to politically exhaust him, potentially forcing concessions or a settlement before the elections.
He also highlighted the broader economic fallout of the conflict, particularly tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which he said have begun affecting the global economy and both U.S. allies and rivals.
Iran’s economy has also been hit hard, with around one million people reportedly losing their jobs and many factories closing, while the government raised the minimum wage by 60 percent to roughly 166 million rials per month — about $90.
“All sides are now suffering from the war,” Andakian said, adding that indicators suggest the confrontation could end before the midterms, as its continuation would amount to “political suicide for Trump.”
He concluded that the key question remains how the war will end — either through a decisive U.S. victory and regime change in Iran, or through a face-saving settlement for both sides.