Iran’s Ghalibaf says US voters have rejected war as Democrats sweep midterm elections

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf has said American voters delivered a verdict against war in the midterm elections, expressing support for what he described as the US public’s rejection of the conflict with Iran.

In a statement posted on X, Ghalibaf said Americans had made their position clear through both their conscience and the burden of rising living costs. “The American people have announced their decision against war, and we support the decision of the American people,” he said.

He warned that if the US administration disregarded public opinion to serve the interests of global powers and “blackmailers”, it would face serious consequences from Iran.

“If the US government deviates from the wishes of its people for the interests of global masters and blackmailers, it should know that our refusal will turn into a nightmare,” Ghalibaf wrote.

His remarks came as Democrats secured control of both chambers of the US Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

The results marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Washington, with Democrats making gains in traditionally Republican states and winning six Republican-held Senate seats. The party also secured a majority in the Senate, reaching 51 seats, while early projections indicated it was on course to take control of the House of Representatives.

Trump acknowledged that the war against Iran, launched in February, had contributed to Republican losses. The conflict drove fuel prices higher and became one of the issues weighing on voters already concerned about the cost of living and the economy.

The president said he was prepared to work with Democrats but warned that he would veto measures he considered unacceptable. He had earlier sought to energise Republican voters by urging them to treat the midterm contests as a referendum on his presidency.

Democrats’ victories extended into Republican strongholds, including South Carolina, Texas and Iowa. The outcome reflected voter dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic stewardship and its decision to pursue military action against Iran.

Ghalibaf’s comments framed the election results as evidence of public opposition to the war, while the Democratic takeover of Congress is expected to give the opposition party greater influence over legislation and oversight of the Trump administration.