US officials, from Donald Trump to the White House press secretary, continue to claim that technical talks between Iran and the US will begin in Qatar on Tuesday, even asserting that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have traveled there. Iran, however, has rejected these claims, stressing that no technical talks with the US have been scheduled in Oman. This raises the question: Why is Washington pushing this narrative, and what objectives is Trump pursuing?
Trump Seeks a Way Out of Political Crises
A notable aspect of recent US claims is their timing, coinciding with a series of domestic developments that suggest an effort to overshadow a major political scandal.
Last Monday, the US Supreme Court rejected Trump's appeal, leaving intact the $5 million judgment in favor of E. Jean Carroll in her defamation and sexual abuse case. According to ABC News, a New York jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in Manhattan in the 1990s and for defaming her in 2022.
The renewed attention to this case, alongside the possible revival of the Epstein case, could increase political pressure on Trump and Republicans ahead of the congressional midterm elections.
Declining Social Trust and Deepening Divisions in US
At the same time, two major surveys point to a sharp decline in confidence in American national identity. The findings show that pride in being American has fallen to its lowest level in years, while the generational divide continues to widen.
A Gallup poll found that only 53% of American adults say they are proud to be American—the lowest level recorded since 2001. Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US, 77% of respondents said the country's founders would be disappointed by its current state.
A recent report by Human Rights Watch also stated that the Trump administration in 2026 has faced multiple allegations of human rights violations in areas including voting rights, freedom of speech, and immigration policies, adding to the legal and political pressure on the administration.
Economic Strains and Political Use of Foreign Issues
Alongside political and legal challenges, the US economy continues to face significant pressures. Trump previously criticized high gasoline prices, calling for an immediate reduction. Referring to oil prices of about $68 per barrel, he argued that gasoline prices remain too high and should fall to around $2.50 per gallon.
Despite those remarks, economic indicators continue to point to persistent inflationary pressures and an ongoing energy crisis. Under these conditions, the US administration has also eased some restrictions related to energy sanctions.
Against this backdrop, analysts argue that raising issues such as negotiations with Iran, including the claimed Doha meeting, could be part of an effort to influence public opinion and domestic economic sentiment, particularly as time to claim economic achievements is running short.
Washington’s Complex Equation and Multi-Layered Pressure Strategy
Recent US actions indicate that Washington continues to seek changes in the regional balance while increasing pressure on Iran through multiple channels, including the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic locations. In this framework, negotiations are viewed not merely as a diplomatic tool but as part of a broader multi-layered pressure strategy.
From this perspective, the primary objective may be to place Iran in a position where joining talks could be portrayed as a retreat, while refusing them could provide grounds for political accusations and justify subsequent actions.
Under these circumstances, Iran’s strategy of maintaining a unified position, raising the cost of any potential military action, and reinforcing its strategic posture in sensitive areas could serve as a deterrent against such scenarios.