As Democrats make midterm gains, Khamenei warns of wider retaliation if US resumes strikes on Iran

The balance of power in Washington has shifted overnight, prompting a strong reaction from Tehran. Following the Democrats' takeover of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged the Iranian public not to assume that the political change in the US would lead to a softer American approach towards Iran.

"Nov. 4 this year, Iranians understand their stance toward the criminal US more clearly and unequivocally than ever before. Nevertheless, reviewing the reasons for the US's hostility, and the Iranian nation's firm resistance to them, serves as a guiding light for the path ahead," he wrote on the social media platform X.

Khamenei, who has not made a public appearance since assuming office in March, also warned that the ongoing war in the Middle East could escalate further if the United States resumes military strikes against Iran.

“Should such aggressions be repeated, its (the war) scope will become much wider,” he said.

Democrats have secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in a significant victory, capitalising on US President Donald Trump's declining popularity. The outcome gives the party greater authority to act as a check on Trump's administration during the final two years of his presidency.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump adopted a conciliatory stance, saying he was "absolutely willing to accept those results" and expressing his readiness to work with Democrats.

The Iran war also emerged as a major issue in the elections, with Democratic candidates blaming Trump and his decision to launch the war against Iran for the economic difficulties that have fuelled widespread voter dissatisfaction across the country.