Countries Weigh and Worry as Trump Faces Midterm Defeat Over Iran War

Trump addresses election losses

Trump said Tuesday night that the Iran war was partly responsible for the Republicans’ midterm defeat. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he said he had no regrets and would make the same decision again.

Iran’s chief negotiator argued that the election results showed Americans had rejected the war. He pointed to the cost of living and “conscience” as possible reasons for the Republican losses.

Tankers hit in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said four oil tankers caught fire after striking mines while trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The waterway is a vital route for shipping.

Iran’s military also said two other vessels that it described as non-compliant had been stopped. The report came amid continued attacks on ships and warnings against a return to war.

Peace efforts face uncertainty

Qatari mediators expect U.S. and Iranian negotiators to respond within 36 hours to new ideas intended to bring them closer to an agreement, Reuters reported, citing an official briefed on the talks.

Both sides had previously expressed some hope for a deal, but Iran’s national security council secretary questioned progress on Tuesday, calling the U.S. response to Iran’s demands “not convincing.” Iranian officials said Monday that the next move was up to Washington and that Tehran would not change its core demands.

Trump has said he remains open to an agreement, while also threatening to resume major U.S. strikes. He said the war would be put away very soon, “one way or the other.”