WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the war with Iran was one factor in Republicans’ defeat in Tuesday’s midterm elections, while continuing to defend his decision to launch the attack.
“I think a part of it was Iran,” Trump told Fox News, adding in a separate interview that the conflict was “a piece of it.” He said he believed he had made the right decision and would do so again.
Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, giving them the ability to block parts of Trump’s agenda and investigate his administration during the final two years of his presidency. Reports said voter concerns included the cost of living, tariffs and rising fuel prices linked to the war. [AP](https://apnews.com/article/midterm-elections-democrats-republicans-trump-b1d26390b7ed7968435089be6d3bf612) · [Reuters](https://www.streetinsider.com/Reuters/Trump+acknowledges+role+of+Iran+war+in+Democratic+sweep+in+midterm+elections/27284195.html)
Trump’s comments came despite his campaign pledge to avoid new wars. His remarks on the conflict’s aims and duration have varied, at times threatening further strikes and at others suggesting the war could end soon.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf welcomed the election outcome, saying on X that Americans had voted against war. The result sets up a period of heightened conflict between the White House and a Democrat-controlled Congress.
