Trump's Iran War Plans Unchanged by Midterm Losses

Despite the Democrats' "blue tsunami" victory in the midterms, President Trump remains in power for two more years and is expected to continue his own course in foreign policy. The election outcome has not changed his authority over military and diplomatic decisions. Foreign leaders, including Mexico's president and France's finance minister, expressed caution, noting Trump's unpredictability and his preference for governing by decree. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz doubted the midterms would alter Trump's approach, as he has largely ruled outside of Congress. Concerns are rising that Trump may resume military operations against Iran, which were paused before the elections. Senator Chris Murphy called the military plans "insane," and Gulf states fear retaliation, while recent incidents include Iran shooting down US drones and attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.