Iran warns of wider war if US attacks after Trump election setback

Iran's supreme leader warned Wednesday that the Middle East war would widen if the US resumes attacks, dismissing hopes of a policy shift after midterm elections dealt a blow to President Donald Trump. Trump has threatened to renew the war against Iran, but his Republicans lost control of Congress. The results could constrain Trump's ability to enact his agenda, though the president retains the power to order new strikes. Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a written statement that concessions to the US would not dissuade hostility, and warned of a wider war without elaborating. Iranian officials hailed the election results as a rejection of war, while Trump acknowledged the conflict may have contributed to his party's defeat. The US launched strikes on Qeshm Island Tuesday, but Trump said a full-scale resumption may not be necessary, as mediators including Qatar and China push for an interim deal.