Iranian Speaker Mocks Vance Over Midterm Defeat, Accuses Trump of Preparing for War

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked US Vice-President JD Vance on Thursday over Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections, accusing the Trump administration of prioritising Israel's interests and preparing for further war. Ghalibaf questioned Vance's criticism of the Iran war's electoral impact, writing that the vice-president showed "losing gambler energy" and asking why he did not raise concerns directly with President Trump. Vance had blamed the conflict for the defeat, citing voter demands to "end the war" and address economic issues. Democrats captured both chambers of Congress in the midterms, a major setback for Trump, who downplayed the result. The election has sharpened focus in Washington on the political and economic costs of the ongoing Iran conflict.