Former Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren has warned that military confrontation between the United States and Iran could resume, arguing that the coming months may bring renewed escalation driven partly by US President Donald Trump’s domestic political calculations, particularly as the congressional midterm elections approach.
Speaking in an interview with Israeli radio station 103FM, Oren claimed that ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran were making no progress and suggested that the chances of reaching a permanent agreement were extremely low.
US Midterm Elections Could Shape the Timing of Escalation
According to Oren, Trump is seeking to buy time until the midterm elections scheduled for November, while the Iranian leadership is fully aware of the domestic political calculations influencing Washington.
He argued that Tehran could take military steps capable of driving oil prices higher once again, potentially damaging the Republican Party’s electoral prospects. Oren stressed that Iran should not be viewed as a passive actor in the unfolding confrontation.
He called for preparations for all possible scenarios, including the possibility of another war between the United States and Iran.
Election Results Could Determine Trump’s Freedom of Action
Turning to the period after the elections, Oren said the results would be decisive in determining the direction of the Trump administration.
He argued that if Republicans retain their majority, Trump would have greater freedom to make major decisions without the same level of domestic political constraint.
Oren also suggested that Democrats could move quickly to pursue Trump’s impeachment if Republicans lose control of either chamber of Congress, or both.
The former Israeli ambassador linked any potential impeachment attempt to allegations surrounding Trump’s conduct and business dealings. He referred to what he described as US media reports concerning a presidential pardon granted to a Chinese businessman accused of laundering billions of dollars, followed by a deal involving the president.
Oren concluded that many political developments in the United States will remain dependent on the outcome of the midterm elections, describing the vote as a potential turning point for the future of the Trump administration.
