Trump faces Iran decision after midterm losses and Gulf tanker attacks

President Donald Trump faces a pivotal decision on Iran policy after his Republican Party suffered a sweeping defeat in the US midterm elections, coinciding with new reported tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz that have raised fears of renewed Gulf confrontation. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported five oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in the strait on Thursday, with vessels allegedly striking naval mines, following earlier claims of four tankers destroyed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations separately reported a tanker struck by projectiles near Qatar, though Iranian claims remain unverified and may overlap. Democrats seized control of both Congress chambers, with Vice President JD Vance blaming the war for the losses. Iranian officials view the result as a political victory, while analysts warn Trump may face pressure to demonstrate military capability, though renewed strikes risk higher oil prices and further retaliation.