Iranian Speaker says midterm results reflect US rejection of war

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said the outcome of the US midterm elections shows that Americans have rejected war, adding that Tehran supports their message.

“Whether out of conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message,” Ghalibaf wrote in a statement posted on X on Wednesday.

He cautioned the US government against going against public sentiment to serve what he described as “international paymasters and blackmailers”, warning that such a move would turn into a “nightmare”.

His comments followed Tuesday’s midterm elections, in which Democrats were projected to gain control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

Trump launched the war against Iran alongside Israel in February, and the conflict has remained a source of tension between Washington and Tehran.

Meanwhile, Qatar continued with its mediation efforts amid disputes over the US naval blockade and security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said on Monday that it remained in indirect contact with the United States through mediators.

Tehran also maintained that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would depend on Washington lifting its blockade.