Analysts warn that the US and Iran could soon resume mutual attacks after Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "I don't think Iran is about to surrender or give in in any way," said Mohammad Elmasri, a professor at the Doha Graduate School. "So it's possible to see an escalation before the midterm elections. I think that's a real possibility." Iran may decide to "make Trump pay the price for rejecting the proposal and for the greater economic pressure Iran faces." They may see now as the opportune time for escalation, given the approaching midterm elections. Elmasri added that Iran's Hormuz proposal could be seen as "a face-saving measure for Trump," a potential way to lower oil and gas prices before the November election. Republicans are performing poorly in the polls, and some candidates are "distancing themselves from Trump." It's not just Iranians suffering from severe economic pressure due to the US naval blockade and ongoing sanctions; the Trump administration is also facing similar challenges.
