Iranian officials have privately expressed pessimism about reaching a deal to end hostilities with Washington before US midterm elections in November. Tehran believes there's a high chance of the conflict escalating after the Nov. Key points and original sources are listed below.

• Iranian officials have privately expressed pessimism about reaching a deal to end hostilities with Washington before US midterm elections in November. Bloomberg's Jeff Mason has the latest. (Source: Bloomberg)S1

• Tehran believes there's a high chance of the conflict escalating after the Nov. 3 vote.S2