Professor Mohammad Marandi confirmed that there is "zero indication of any progress" in the efforts to mediate between Iran and the US, and claimed that the US talk of negotiations is aimed at calming the financial markets ahead of the US midterm elections. Speaking on The Grand Standoff: Iran and the World over al-Mayadeen, Marandy said that US claims about Iran's nuclear program, as well as reports surrounding Vice President JD Vance's message to Iran, were designed to make the situation appear more stable than it is. He pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as "a very dangerous place to be right now", and claimed that the pressure created on the American economy is pushing the Trump administration to "reduce the situation" before election day. Referring to talks on Iran's nuclear program, Marandi rejected the prospect of nuclear negotiations at this stage, stressing that Iran will not discuss its nuclear program "until the United States implements its side of the deal" and "implements the memorandum of understanding. "Watch.