Trump acknowledges Iran war played a part in Republican midterm losses

Summary

US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the war on Iran played a part in the Republican Party's heavy midterm election losses, in which Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Candidates who campaigned against the war scored notable victories, and rising petrol and goods prices were a central theme of Democratic messaging. In separate interviews, Trump said 'I think a part of it was Iran' and that inflation was likely one reason Republicans did poorly. He nonetheless stood by his decision to join Israel in attacking Iran, telling the Wall Street Journal 'I did the right thing' and 'I would have done it again.' The US and Israel went to war with Iran at the end of February. Despite killing several Iranian leaders, including former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, the government in Tehran has remained intact, and the Iranian military has seized control of the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   4 Nov 2026, 11:37 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Trump said on Wednesday 'I think a part of it was Iran' and acknowledged the war on Iran played a part in the Republican midterm losses, while standing by his decision to attack Iran.

2. France 24

   4 Nov 2026, 15:02 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that, speaking to Fox News after the midterms, Trump admitted inflation was likely one reason Republicans did poorly, as Americans were frustrated by Iran war price rises at the gasoline pump despite his 'no new wars' pledge.