Iran Links Democratic Midterm Gains to Opposition to War

Iranian officials portrayed Democratic gains in the November 3 midterm elections as evidence that US voters opposed the war with Iran, while warning that the result would not necessarily change Washington’s policy or prevent further military action. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said voters had rejected the war or its economic costs. In a post on X, he wrote, “Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message.” He warned that if the US government disregarded voters’ wishes, Iran’s refusal would come with a “Nightmare.” The warning did not specify what action Iran might take. Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, according to election results reported Wednesday. Republicans retain control of the outgoing Congress until the new Congress begins its term on January 3, 2027. Ghalibaf’s description of the result as a rejection of the war is Tehran’s interpretation, not a direct measure of why individual voters chose their candidates. President Donald Trump acknowledged that the conflict contributed to Republican losses but disputed that the war itself was the main reason. He said gasoline prices had hurt his party...