Qalibaf calls US midterm results a rejection of war with Iran
Iran's parliamentary speaker cites high living costs as the reason voters punished Republicans, warning of a nightmare if Washington resumes open conflict.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran's Parliament and the lead negotiator with the United States, declared on Tuesday that American voters rejected President Trump's war against Iran. Speaking on the social platform X, Qalibaf stated that conscience or the cost of living drove the Republican defeat, a result he endorsed.
The war began earlier in the year, prompting Iran to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation. This move disrupted global energy shipments and contributed to a sharp rise in international fuel prices. In the United States, the conflict coincided with high gas prices and inflation, issues that voters ranked as their top concern when heading to the polls on Tuesday.
A report from the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs released in September indicated that 86 percent of Americans view the US-Iran war as detrimental to the domestic cost of living. Despite this sentiment, the war was not the primary driver for many voters, who instead focused on affordability. Trump acknowledged the connection, telling The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday evening that the war was a factor in the backlash against Republican candidates.
Qalibaf warned that if the US government betrays the public will to serve international interests, it will face a nightmare. He issued this threat in response to potential resumption of open conflict. The US has continued limited strikes against Iran, increased its naval presence in the region, and has the Pentagon drafting new strike options, according to official reports.
Trump downplayed the likelihood of renewed military operations in an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday. He stated that the US is ready and locked and loaded if needed, but there may be no reason to act. Meanwhile, Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran and Washington remain far apart on negotiations.
A senior Iranian official said the US must meet Iran's conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. These conditions include waiving oil sanctions, ending the US naval blockade, and releasing frozen Iranian funds. Mediators are currently working to narrow the gaps between the two sides.
