On May 20, U.S. President Trump told reporters that despite the approaching midterm elections, he is not in a rush to resolve the conflict between the United States and Iran.

When asked whether he would be willing to reach an agreement with Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said: "I'm not in a hurry. Don't think because the midterm elections are coming up, I’m rushing to settle things. I’m not in a hurry."

On May 20, facing the media, Trump deviated from his usual tone by emphatically stressing "I'm not in a hurry," clearly stating he would not rush into a deal with Iran just to appease the upcoming midterm elections. On the surface, this statement appeared calm and composed, but in reality, it was a carefully crafted psychological maneuver and political rhetoric.

Securing the initiative: When negotiations stall, the party that first shows urgency is more likely to concede on key terms. By projecting an image of "I have all the time in the world," Trump aims to signal to Iran that the U.S. can afford to endure the pressure, thereby pushing Tehran to capitulate under mounting economic sanctions and military threats.

Hiding real difficulties: In fact, the U.S. is currently under immense practical pressure. The more loudly Trump declares "I'm not in a hurry," the more likely it is that he is masking his genuine anxiety about escaping the quagmire of war and seeking a dignified exit. This is a classic case of bluffing—designed to prevent observers from perceiving the U.S. as trapped or desperate to conclude matters.

Despite saying "I'm not in a hurry," Trump’s actual behavior is deeply entangled with the midterm elections and domestic economic backlash:

The November congressional midterms pose a major test for the Republican Party. Military action against Iran has already triggered sharp increases in domestic fuel prices and inflation, significantly eroding Trump’s popularity (polls show most Americans oppose the current military campaign). If Trump now appears "eager to conclude" or hastily agrees to a deal perceived as weak, he risks fierce criticism from both voters and Republican establishment figures. Thus, “not in a hurry” is also a message to his domestic base: I won’t sign a bad agreement just for votes.

High war costs have become a glaring vulnerability. According to disclosures, just 60 days of hostilities have cost the U.S. hundreds of billions of dollars, and the U.S. military’s stockpile of expensive precision-guided missiles is nearly depleted—without even fully destroying Iran’s deeply buried military installations. Continuing the conflict would impose unsustainable fiscal burdens, risk further disruption in global energy markets, and exact an even heavier price on the U.S. itself.

Just a few days earlier (May 18), Trump announced he had postponed military strikes on Iran at the request of Gulf states and set a negotiation window of “two to three days.” Now he claims “I’m not in a hurry”—this contradictory stance indicates he hasn’t yet determined a concrete deadline and is adjusting his strategy dynamically based on evolving circumstances.

Although claiming not to be in a rush, the U.S. military has not stopped preparing for war. Vice President Vance has confirmed that the White House has prepared a “Plan B” should military operations resume. Trump’s “not in a hurry” is intended to buy time for diplomatic mediation (such as efforts by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.), while simultaneously retaining the option to launch war at any moment.

In short, Trump’s “not in a hurry” is a politically calculated slogan. It serves as psychological pressure on Iran, reassurance to domestic voters, and crucial breathing room to oscillate between full-scale war and a dignified ceasefire. The ultimate outcome of this game still hinges on whether both sides can find that extremely fragile balance point over core issues—such as nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting of sanctions—in the coming days.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865740670653440/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.