Iranian Leaders Cheer Trump’s ‘Political Defeat’ as Republicans Blame War for Midterm Losses

Iranian officials celebrated the Democratic victory in the U.S. midterm elections, interpreting it as a rejection of President Donald Trump's aggressive stance against Iran. Mohsen Rezaei, head of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, declared that the Iranian nation had inflicted a "strategic defeat" on Trump and that the U.S. was on the path to collapse. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei echoed similar sentiments, stating that the U.S.-Iran conflict was accelerating its downfall.

The Democrats' expected control of both chambers of Congress in January 2027 will provide them with new leverage to challenge the U.S. and Israeli war effort against Iran. This fresh power dynamic has emboldened some Republicans to criticize the war and its impact on the midterm losses. Vice President J.D. Vance asserted that the war was the primary reason for the party's defeat, citing rising energy costs and waning public support for the conflict.

While Iran's leaders, such as Parliament Speaker Mohammed-Baqer Qalibaf, praised the U.S. public's rejection of the war, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had already attempted to sway American voters in a letter urging them to oppose their government in the midterms. Trump, previously accusing Iran of prolonging the war to damage Republican prospects, faced accusations of miscalculation from Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, who claimed the American people had rejected his approach.

Republicans are now divided over the Iran War, with some, like Rep. Thomas Massie, vowing to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had initially advocated for the war. Massie intends to push for an impeachment vote once Congress reconvenes. However, Hegseth might be replaced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis before Congress takes any action, according to a CBS report.

Democrats have vowed to end the war, citing their power over federal spending, while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Trump to initiate the cessation before the new Congress begins. They can restrict military spending, introduce legislation for hostilities' end, and potentially withhold new funding. Additionally, Democrats seek to reduce U.S. military aid to Israel, with some House Democrats already supporting an amendment to eliminate $3.3 billion in aid.