US midterm defeat raises questions over Trump's influence in the Middle East
Democrats' gains in Congress have weakened President Donald Trump's domestic position, prompting governments in the Middle East to reassess how he may act next.
Democrats won control of both houses of Congress in the US midterm elections, dealing a significant political setback to Donald Trump. Public anger over the Iran war and rising living costs were among the factors analysts cited behind the Republican losses.
Trump had urged voters to treat the midterms as a vote on his leadership. He acknowledged that the Iran conflict contributed to the defeat, but defended his military campaign and pointed to other causes. He remains president until January 2029 and keeps wide powers over foreign policy and military operations, even as his ability to pass legislation may be limited.
In Tehran, some analysts believe the political pressure in Washington could give Iranian negotiators leverage. A possible agreement that reopens the Strait of Hormuz, steadies energy markets and lowers fuel prices could be more attractive to the US now, though such calculations carry risks.