U.S. and Iranian officials are continuing negotiations through mediators, but a comprehensive agreement is unlikely before the U.S. midterm elections, Al Jazeera reports. The talks, which have been ongoing for weeks, reflect the enduring tension between the two nations over nuclear policy, regional influence, and sanctions.

Both sides have agreed to use third‑party intermediaries to facilitate dialogue, a strategy that has kept the channel open while sidestepping direct diplomatic contact. However, the mediators have not been able to bridge the gaps that remain on key issues, according to the source.

Central to the impasse is disagreement over what a deal should encompass. The U.S. seeks a framework that limits Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions, while Iran demands comprehensive sanctions relief and assurances that its regional partners will remain protected. These divergent priorities have stalled progress, making a swift resolution before the midterm elections improbable.

The continuation of talks amid such differences underscores the complexity of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader implications for global security. As the U.S. political landscape shifts with the upcoming elections, both sides may reassess their positions, potentially altering the trajectory of negotiations in the months ahead.