A senior Iranian figure has cast doubt on the likelihood of a peace deal with the United States, calling the Trump administration’s response to the latest proposal “not convincing.” The official insisted that Iran’s demands, including a halt to fighting on all fronts in the Middle East, must be met before the Strait of Hormuz can reopen.

The comments come after American forces launched limited, defensive strikes on Iranian targets near the strait on Monday, according to multiple U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News. The strikes were reportedly in response to an apparent Iranian attack targeting a U.S. aircraft.

President Trump, speaking on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections, maintained that a deal with Iran to end the eight-month war “could happen,” asserting that Tehran “wants a settlement, as soon as possible.” However, the Iranian official’s remarks suggest that a resolution may not be as imminent as the president suggests.

The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has been a major point of contention in the Middle East, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global oil supply and causing economic repercussions worldwide. The recent U.S. strikes and the Iranian official’s comments underscore the challenges in reaching a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

As Americans head to the polls for the midterm elections, the outcome of the vote could have significant implications for the Trump administration’s approach to the Iran conflict and its broader foreign policy in the Middle East. Critics of the administration’s handling of the crisis argue that the escalation of tensions and the economic fallout from the war could sway voters’ opinions.

The Iranian official’s skepticism about the prospects for a peace deal, coupled with the recent U.S. strikes, suggests that the path to ending the eight-month war may be fraught with obstacles. As both sides continue to assert their demands and engage in military action, the international community remains concerned about the potential for further escalation and the humanitarian and economic consequences of the prolonged conflict.