Democrats' midterm win raises Gulf hopes for Iran de-escalation

Democrats' victory in the US midterm elections has raised hopes in Gulf states that the war with Iran may de-escalate, as President Donald Trump acknowledged the conflict contributed to his party's defeat. Trump conceded voters were unhappy with the war's impact on gas prices, while analysts note a Democrat-controlled Congress could withhold funding for military action, though new members take office in early 2027. Some experts warn lame-duck presidents often escalate foreign interventions to secure their legacy. Gulf states, primary targets of Iranian attacks, are seeking diplomatic off-ramps and reassessing US defense partnerships, with some pursuing strategic autonomy and potential non-aggression pacts with Iran, though regional unity remains doubtful.