Vance blames Iran war for Republican midterm losses as costs top $38 billion

Vice President JD Vance said Republicans lost the midterm elections primarily due to public opposition to the Iran war, a conflict that has cost at least $38 billion and 19 American lives. President Donald Trump did not disagree with this assessment. The war began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in late February 2026. Despite degrading Iran's military and killing senior leaders, the U.S. has not achieved its strategic goals, and Iran retains significant capabilities. The U.S. military is preparing options for potential escalation, though a Democratic Congress in January may limit Trump's options. A summer 14-point memorandum of understanding that could have ended hostilities has lapsed with no replacement. Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has directed forces to widen the conflict if attacked again. The situation remains a stalemate, with escalation risks increasing costs and further damaging Republican prospects for 2028.