Democrats Seize Congress as Trump Defends Iran War
Democrats won control of the U.S. House and Senate in midterm elections, which Iranian leadership and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham linked to the unpopular war with Iran.
The Democratic Party seized control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, winning key seats in traditionally Republican strongholds such as Texas, Ohio, and Kansas. Donald Trump acknowledged that the unpopularity of the war with Iran contributed to the Republican losses but maintained that his decision to launch joint strikes with Israel in February was correct to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf hailed the results, stating that American voters said "NO TO WAR" and warning that the U.S. government would face a "Nightmare" if it continued the conflict against the public will. In Tehran, thousands gathered for an annual anti-American rally to mock the Republican defeat, linking the results to rising energy prices and the cost of living.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged global unity to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that resolving the Middle East crisis is essential to lowering global living costs. While Trump stated he has no immediate plans for new strikes and characterized the U.S. military as "locked and loaded," he vowed to veto "insane" legislation passed by the new Democratic majority.
Diplomatic efforts continue through mediated negotiations. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has emerged as a central figure, receiving direct correspondence from U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Iran has proposed a seven-point plan to end the war, demanding the lifting of sanctions, the end of a naval blockade, and the release of frozen funds.
