Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects US Policy Change Hopes After Trump Party's Midterm Defeat

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed any expectation of change in US policy following the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections, warning that conflict in the Middle East could expand if Washington resumes attacks on Iran. Khamenei stated that those hoping for policy shifts are "completely mistaken," speaking via his official website as he has not appeared publicly since assuming power in March. Meanwhile, chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said American voters said "no to war," a message Tehran approves, while Trump acknowledged the Iran war partly caused his party's heavy loss. The warning follows a US bombing of Iran's Qeshm island on Tuesday, though Trump later downplayed speculation of renewed attacks, suggesting negotiations with Tehran are progressing. China and Oman are also pushing for a diplomatic solution, as four tankers were destroyed by mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.