# Iran pursues cautious escalation ahead of US midterms

https://mins.news/en/item/54789

- DW, 2026-09-11 14:54 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/iran-pursues-cautious-escalation-ahead-of-us-midterms/a-79237061?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Tehran appears to be increasing pressure on Washington before the US midterm vote while avoiding a return to full-scale war. Experts say Iran is using controlled escalation to impose costs on the United States and disrupt regional maritime traffic without provoking a much larger American response. Donald Trump has defended the war and said it will end after the election.

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