Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned that the Middle East war would widen if the US resumes its attacks. This comes after the US midterm elections dealt a blow to President Donald Trump, stripping his Republicans of control over Congress. Khamenei dismissed hopes of a policy shift in Washington, saying those who believe the US behavior might change through partisan shifts are "seriously mistaken".
The US midterm elections saw Trump's Republicans lose control of Congress, which could constrain his ability to enact his agenda. However, Trump retains the power to order new strikes. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned of wide-ranging retaliation if Washington resumes the war. The war has been unpopular among the US public, with the cost of living rising after a spike in energy prices caused by the conflict.
Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Americans had voted against war in the midterms, endorsing the message "NO TO WAR". He warned that if the US government betrays the public will, it will face a "Nightmare". Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei also hailed the election results, saying Trump had been "defeated both militarily and politically".
On Tuesday, the US launched strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian state media reporting five explosions. The US said it hit an anti-aircraft facility, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed a US MQ-1 drone was "intercepted and destroyed" over Qeshm Island. The US did not confirm this.
Trump acknowledged the conflict may have played a part in the defeat of his Republican Party. He said he still had to "take care" of one or two targets, including a suspected nuclear site in central Iran. However, he told the Financial Times that a full-scale resumption of war may not be necessary, saying "we seem to be getting everything we want".
Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a resumption of fighting. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government is trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue. Qatar, a mediator, said it remains hopeful of an interim deal, with both sides reviewing proposals. China also said avoiding a return to hostilities is a top priority in its diplomatic efforts.
The war, triggered in February, has been at a stalemate for months. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned of wide-ranging retaliation if Washington resumes the war. The conflict has had significant consequences, including a rise in energy prices and a strain on the US public.
Key points
- Iran's supreme leader warns of wider war if US resumes attacks
- US midterm elections deal blow to President Donald Trump
- Diplomatic efforts underway to prevent resumption of fighting
