Iran’s top security official Mohsen Rezaei dismissed President Donald Trump’s assertion that Tehran is close to surrendering, accusing the U.S. leader of confusing fantasy with reality. Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded on X after Trump stated Iran was "ready to fold up" and predicted a U.S. win shortly after the November midterm elections.

Rezaei challenges Trump's narrative

Rezaei criticized Trump in a post on October 2, 2026, labeling him the "worst president in American history" for his persistent rhetoric following what he described as repeated failures. He argued that Trump’s words had "outrun his own fantasies," emphasizing that actual outcomes are determined by Iran’s people, soldiers, and missiles rather than presidential declarations.

"You can win every day in your own imagination," Rezaei wrote. "But reality is shaped by Iran."

Trump asserts U.S. advantage in conflict

Trump made the remarks regarding Iran’s surrender status during an event at a Peterbilt Motors facility in Denton, Texas, on Thursday night. He claimed the United States was engaged in a war with a country that would never possess a nuclear weapon and was prepared to yield. Trump indicated he believed the U.S. would secure victory "right after the election," while leaving open the possibility of an earlier resolution.

During the same event, Trump noted that the U.S. was "trying to be nice" to Iran’s current leadership but acknowledged uncertainty regarding whom Washington could effectively negotiate with. Earlier in the week, Trump told TIME magazine that U.S. military action against Iran could resume after the midterm elections if no agreement is reached. He also expressed skepticism about achieving peace with Iran.

Economic pressure and diplomatic stance

On Tuesday, Trump had described Iran as "doing very poorly" in its conflict with the U.S., though he remained unsure if Tehran would "give up yet." This characterization aligns with reports that a U.S. blockade has severely disrupted Iran’s oil exports, a critical revenue source, thereby increasing economic pressure on the Iranian population.

Despite these challenges, Iran’s president told the UN General Assembly last week that Tehran would not surrender to U.S. pressure but remained open to peace negotiations. The divergence between Trump’s public confidence in an imminent resolution and Iran’s official stance of resilience highlights the continued fluidity of the situation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran aims to revive its ceasefire memorandum of understanding with the United States before the November midterm elections. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not want diplomatic talks delayed until after the vote.

The Iranian leader also addressed concerns regarding nuclear oversight, stating that Iran is "open" to inspections of its nuclear facilities. This statement comes amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the two nations.

Nuclear oversight linked to sanctions

Iran has explicitly offered to allow nuclear inspectors into its facilities, but this offer is conditional on the easing of sanctions. This development adds a specific economic dimension to Tehran's previous general statements about being "open" to oversight. The linkage suggests that sanctions relief is a primary prerequisite for any renewed verification regime or broader diplomatic agreement.

Denial of assassination plots

Pezeshkian explicitly denied allegations that Tehran is seeking to assassinate Donald Trump or his family. The denial serves as a direct rebuttal to recent accusations circulating in international media and political circles.

The push for a pre-election agreement suggests a strategic calculation by Tehran to influence or benefit from the political timeline in the United States. By seeking a resolution before the midterms, Iran may be attempting to secure favorable terms while the current administration remains in power.