TEHRAN, 4 November, 2026 (Nosheen): Iranian officials have welcomed the Democratic Party’s sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, describing the results as a rejection of President Donald Trump’s war policies, while warning that Washington could still resume military action against Iran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who has played a leading role in negotiations with the United States, said American voters had delivered an anti-war message, whether motivated by conscience or economic concerns. In a post on X, he urged Washington not to ignore public opinion by launching fresh attacks against Iran. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile, said US hostility towards Iran would remain unchanged regardless of which political party held power in Washington. He also warned against any retreat in the face of American pressure, arguing that Tehran viewed the decline of US global dominance as closer than Washington did. The Democrats’ victories in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, along with their gains in traditionally Republican strongholds, highlighted public dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic policies and his approach to the conflict with Iran. Iranian media and officials portrayed the election outcome as a setback for Trump, with one state-linked outlet sharing a sarcastic remark suggesting that while Trump had failed to bring about regime change in Iran, Democrats had achieved a political breakthrough in Texas. Despite welcoming the results, Tehran remains concerned that Trump could respond to his electoral defeat by renewing military action against Iran or seeking to strengthen his political position through a tougher foreign policy. Two senior Iranian sources said the leadership was maintaining heightened security amid fears of another escalation. Demonstrators attending a state-organised rally in Tehran marking the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy also described the election results as a political victory for Iran. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have intensified amid concerns that hostilities could resume following the US elections. Trump has not ruled out renewed military operations, while Iran has indicated that it is prepared to launch a broad response if attacked again. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian attacks on Israel and US military facilities in Gulf countries. The conflict subsequently spread to Lebanon and Yemen, involving Iran-backed Hezbollah and Houthi groups and further escalating regional tensions. Disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside Iran’s announcement that it would close the strategic waterway, contributed to a sharp rise in global oil and gas prices, while a US naval blockade placed additional pressure on Iran’s economy. Iranian newspapers also interpreted the American election results as a sign of changing political fortunes for Trump, with conservative publication Jam-e Jam describing the outcome as a sign of the decline of Trumpism.