Hot Topic: Iran
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Iran Is Using the Midterms as Leverage. But at What Cost?
As the November 2026 midterms approach, Iranian officials are reportedly delaying negotiations and maintaining pressure on global energy markets to strengthen Tehran's position against Washington. But with inflation soaring, oil revenues restricted, and economic conditions deteriorating at home, Iran's strategy raises a consequential question: how much can the country afford to sacrifice for political leverage?
Iran Posed a Threat. Was War the Only Answer?
Before the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Washington faced a real security problem: a nuclear program inspectors could no longer fully monitor, a growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and threats to U.S. forces across the Middle East. But intelligence and diplomacy also complicated the case for war. This assessment examines what was known before the first strikes.