US President Donald Trump may be more inclined to approve a large-scale military operation against Iran if Republicans fare badly in the midterm elections next week, according to a report on Friday.

"If he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised, he will do something bold," a US official told Axios, adding that it is the message being passed to Iranian officials, who are being told their best chance for a deal is now.

A White House official rejected the idea, telling the outlet that election results will not factor into Trump's decisions on Iran.

The report said Qatari mediators spent more than 12 hours on Friday in Tehran, staying in regular contact with the White House, to restart direct talks between Washington and Tehran. A diplomatic source described "positive progress," and discussions are due to continue on Saturday in Doha.

Talks have stalled over competing demands, according to one US official. Washington wants nuclear concessions as part of any return to negotiations, while Tehran insists the US first lift its naval blockade, release frozen funds and allow oil sales.

The report said Doha is urging Iran to allow UN inspectors into its bombed nuclear sites in exchange for limited sanctions relief.

Pointing to divisions within Trump's circle, the report said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are sceptical of any deal and favour further weakening of Iran’s leadership. Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner back resuming talks.

The report comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global energy shipments.

The US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian retaliation in the region.

Despite subsequent diplomatic efforts and a memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran in June, tensions have persisted over security arrangements and navigation through the strait.