Iran's nuclear signals and regional chess moves
Tehran weighs a return to nuclear talks while threatening Trump and deepening ties with Russia.
Iran's nuclear signals and regional chess moves — Iran hung a giant billboard in Enqelab Square this week, bearing a promise in English: 'We will kill Trump.'[^1] The display, timed to the congressional elections and the week marking the 1979 hostage crisis, is a direct message to Americans. But behind the bravado, Tehran may be moving toward a different kind of engagement. Iran is examining proposals regarding the future of its nuclear program and may return to the negotiating table, according to reports.[^2] The Walla article frames this as a 'possible breakthrough,' while Maariv's coverage emphasizes that the proposal is being considered behind the scenes, suggesting internal debate.[^3] The US and Israel continue to explore military options, creating a dilemma: negotiation or escalation.[^4] Meanwhile, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi told The Jerusalem Post that his meetings with European leaders show a growing understanding that 'this regime must go.'[^5] He will accept the Friedrich Naumann Foundation's 2026 Freedom Prize in Frankfurt on Saturday, November 7, on behalf of the Iranian people. A separate report notes Iran's Supreme National Security Council is involved in the nuclear discussions, and a Kremlin report details Putin's meeting with an Iranian official. The question is whether the regime's overtures are genuine or a delaying tactic as it faces both internal pressure and external threats. TA-35 slides 3.7%, dollar crosses 3.16 shekels as tax chief rules out 2027 cuts — Trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange closed Thursday with sharp declines: the TA-35 index fell 3.7% and the TA-125 by 3.4%[^1]. The shekel weakened to 3.17 per dollar, its representative rate set at 3.16[^2]. Since the elections, the TA-90 index has lost about 10% in seven trading days[^2]. Analysts point to negative global sentiment, but local factors are compounding the pressure. Shai Aharonovich, Director of the Israel Tax Authority, told the "Real Estate Truth" conference in Eilat: "I don't see tax cuts in 2027"[^3]. He said the government needs to find additional revenue sources totaling about 40 billion shekels next year, though fighting the black market could bring in 7-8 bi