Iranian officials savored the midterm election results that saw Democrats seize majorities in both the Senate and House, viewing the outcome as a rejection of Donald Trump's war policies and a blow to his political standing. "Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message," stated Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, implying that Washington should heed public opinion and refrain from further military action against Iran. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei echoed this sentiment, asserting that US hostility would persist regardless of the ruling party and warning against any "submission" to the United States.
While celebrating the Democrats' victories, which were partly attributed to voter frustration over the economy and the costly war, Iranian leaders also expressed apprehension. Two senior Iranian sources revealed to Reuters that Tehran remained on high alert, concerned that Trump might initiate a military strike to counter his electoral setbacks. Mediators have increased efforts to broker peace amid fears of renewed conflict, particularly after Trump declined to rule out a resumption of operations post-election.
The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, escalated with Iranian strikes on Israel and US bases in Gulf states. The conflict has also involved Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen, impacting global oil and gas prices and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A US naval blockade has further strained Iran's economy.
Iranian media outlets interpreted the election results as a significant blow to Trump. A joke circulated on X, shared by a judiciary-run news outlet, quipped that "Trump failed at regime change in Iran but he succeeded in Texas." Conservative newspaper Jam-e Jam declared the results "The twilight of Trumpism." The newspaper Hamshahri published a front-page image depicting Trump blindfolded with a headline "Iran’s shadow over US elections," linking the current events to the 1979 US embassy seizure. Trump himself acknowledged in an interview with Fox News that "a part of it was Iran" contributing to the election results, while also defending his actions regarding the country.