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Iranian Official Links US Midterm Outcome to War Discontent
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf stated that American voters expressed clear opposition to war following Republican losses in the US midterm elections. Writing on social media, Ghalibaf indicated that Iran endorses this message and warned of serious consequences if the US administration disregards public sentiment to serve outside interests.
Trump Comments on Midterms and Ongoing Conflict
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the conflict with Iran and the resulting rise in gasoline prices contributed to the election outcome. However, Trump maintained that he does not regret launching joint military strikes with Israel against Iran in February. He stated in broadcast interviews that the conflict would conclude on his terms, while warning that all-out warfare could resume if a diplomatic solution is not achieved.
Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz
Tensions remain high across the Strait of Hormuz, a vital commercial transit point for global oil and gas exports. Recent military and maritime developments include:
- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that four oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval sea mines, with two vessels remaining ablaze and two others intercepted.
- The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a tanker struck by two projectiles near Limah, Oman, with no casualties reported.
- An Indian crew member on a wooden sailing boat was killed in an attack northeast of Limah, where Omani authorities rescued 13 others.
- The IRGC claimed to have downed a US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, following earlier US military strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island.
Status of Diplomatic Negotiations
Indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar remain stalled. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that his administration seeks to resolve the crisis through dialogue, adding that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has granted authority to negotiate previously restricted issues. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqai noted that a condensed version of a seven-step proposal submitted in September could be implemented rapidly if an agreement is reached.
Source: Iran's chief negotiator says Americans voted 'no to war'