Iran supreme leader says those expecting U.S. policy shift ‘seriously mistaken’

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei expressed on Wednesday his skepticism that those anticipating a change in US policy were correct. The comments came shortly after the midterm elections resulted in Democrats gaining control of the US Congress, a shift that many attribute to dissatisfaction with economic conditions, tariffs, and the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has led to rising fuel prices.

Khamenei's stance was delivered in a written statement available on his official website, reinforcing his position that any hope for a shift in US behavior through political maneuvering or concessions to the United States is misguided. This sentiment is especially poignant considering recent diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the conflict that erupted on February 28. Both US and Israeli officials have warned of the possibility of renewed aggression against Iran should hostilities persist.

In response to the election outcomes, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed that the American populace had voted against the prospect of war. He attributed this decision to a combination of conscience and the high cost of living, asserting that the electorate had effectively delivered a "NO TO WAR." Ghalibaf's message was conveyed via the social media platform X, with the added implication that any betrayal of this public sentiment by the US government would face Iran's disapproval.

The judiciary chief of Iran, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, also welcomed the electoral results, suggesting that President Trump had suffered defeats not only in military terms but also politically. Ejei's remarks emphasized Iran's readiness to continue challenging and defeating any perceived threats or aggressions from the United States.