Iran's negotiator claims midterms show Americans oppose war with Iran

Iran's chief negotiator has stated that Americans voted "no to war" following the Republican Party's disappointing performance in the midterm elections. This statement comes as President Donald Trump acknowledged that the election results were influenced by public discontent over rising fuel prices linked to ongoing conflict with Iran.

Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, echoed this sentiment, warning that if the U.S. government ignores the will of its people to placate international interests, it would face serious consequences. Trump's remarks indicate a recognition of the political fallout from his administration's military actions against Iran, although he maintains his stance on the conflict, insisting that he does not regret the February attack alongside Israel.

In a separate interview, Trump suggested that while Americans support his approach to Iran, they are hesitant about the short-term economic impacts of warfare, particularly the rising gas prices. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained out of the public eye since a reported injury during an Israeli airstrike, stated that he does not expect any shift in U.S. policy towards Iran. He warned that any resumption of conflict could escalate significantly.

On the ground, tensions remain high. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that four oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. However, independent verification of this claim is ongoing, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations center reporting a separate incident involving projectiles striking a tanker. Additionally, the IRGC announced the downing of a U.S. drone over the strategic waterway, highlighting the volatile situation between the two nations.