Midterm Results May Curb Trump's Iran Bombing Plans

The U.S. midterm elections, which resulted in a Democratic wave, may have altered the Trump administration's plans to resume bombing Iran, as President Donald Trump now says a resumption is "highly unlikely." Before the elections, the U.S. had warned allies to expect a short but intense resumption of the war, and Trump had hinted at no plans to restart it before Nov. 3. Trump acknowledged voter unhappiness with the war contributed to the Republican defeat, though he also claimed the war was won and a deal with Iran was near. The conflict has continued despite talk of a pause, with recent U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Iran's Supreme Leader warned of a broader response to any new attack, and Trump faces linked military and political decisions on whether further bombing is worth the cost.