Iranian hardliners demand tougher U.S. stance after midterm losses
Iranian hardliners said they would push for a tougher U. S. exit from the conflict, warning the war could become more entrenched. Earlier, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed the U. S. midterm results showed American opposition to the war, a view echoed by the Iranian parliament speaker who said U. S. voters rejected the conflict.
President Donald Trump linked the Republican losses to higher fuel and food prices and defended the military action. Tehran was reported to be weighing mediator proposals on its nuclear programme and its security chief met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, while U. S. officials considered options for the conflict. Iranian officials also presented a new nuclear and peace proposal and deepened ties with Russia, and the Iranian army spokesperson warned that its forces were ready to strike U. S. bases without geographic limits. Analysts said the Republican defeat curtails Trump’s ability to achieve a swift end to the war.