Iran warns US strikes risk wider West Asia war after Republican losses

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned Wednesday that renewed US strikes would expand the conflict across West Asia, dismissing hopes of a policy shift after Republican midterm losses. The warning follows President Trump's threats of further military action despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Trump's Republicans lost control of both congressional chambers in Tuesday's elections, a result Iranian officials linked to public opposition to the war. Khamenei stated that partisan changes would not alter US hostility, while Trump acknowledged the conflict may have contributed to his party's poor performance. The exchange followed US strikes on Qeshm Island, which Trump described as a "minor attack" while signaling readiness for more action. Mediators, including Qatar and China, continue efforts toward an interim agreement, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirming commitment to diplomacy.