Trump faces weakened hand on Iran war after midterm losses

President Donald Trump faces a politically weakened position after Republicans suffered sweeping losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, with Democrats seizing control of both the Senate and House of Representatives. Trump is caught between diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war, which has driven up gasoline costs, and his threats to escalate the conflict. Analysts say the new Democratic Congress will constrain his options through oversight and funding powers, while voters signaled they want relief from the war's economic burden. The conflict began after US-Israel strikes on Iran in late February, with Tehran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and sending oil prices soaring. Vice President JD Vance attributed the defeat directly to the war, though experts note broader dissatisfaction with Trump's agenda on affordability also played a role.