Iran has accused Donald Trump of seeking to topple its regime as fears of renewed US and Israeli attacks grow, with Tehran apparently prolonging peace talks to damage the US president politically. Iranian officials are understood to believe Mr Trump could launch fresh military strikes to break the deadlock in the eight-month war.

Three senior Iranian officials and an insider told the news agency that Tehran was determined to avoid a quick deal that could hand Mr Trump a political victory ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3. One official said: “Iran is preparing for renewed Israeli and US attacks, not for a deal with America to end the war.” The official added: “The clerical establishment is determined not to give Trump a political victory.”

The standoff threatens to prolong a conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies, sent fuel prices soaring and inflicted severe damage on Iran’s already struggling economy.

The war began in February when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, triggering a wider conflict and leaving the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.

The waterway is a crucial shipping route for global energy supplies, and disruption has helped push oil and petrol prices higher.

Iran has refused to make concessions it believes could strengthen Mr Trump’s position before voters go to the polls, the officials said.

The US president has said he will not bomb Iran again before November 3, but Iranian officials remain convinced further attacks could follow.

Tehran analyst Saeed Leylaz said Iran’s strategy was also intended to influence the American elections.

He said: “Iran is influencing the US election without taking any unlawful action.”

Mr Trump’s political position has weakened as Americans face higher living costs and rising petrol prices linked to the conflict.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday found that just 31% of Americans approved of Mr Trump’s performance, the lowest rating of either of his presidential terms.

Democrats led Republicans by 47% to 35% among registered voters asked which party they would support in congressional elections.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked.

Iran has offered a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under its control, provided Washington lifts its maritime blockade, eases restrictions on Iranian oil exports, releases frozen Iranian assets and ends hostilities on all fronts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that the proposal remained on the table, with messages continuing to pass through Qatari mediators.

However, Tehran insists its conditions must be met before negotiations over its nuclear programme can begin. Washington wants the programme included in talks from the outset.

Iran says its nuclear activities are peaceful, while Western powers allege the programme has military dimensions.

The breakdown in trust between the two sides has been compounded by previous military strikes that derailed diplomatic efforts.

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