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November 6, 2026

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A protest sign is seen near the White House the day after Election Day

Feature

Emboldened Democrats gear up to challenge Trump over Iran war, Gulf business ties

Democrats are weighing options to enforce Congress’ authority to declare war.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

An aerial view shows a campaign billboard depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, on Oct. 26, 2026, on the eve of Israel's legislative elections.

Explainer

Democrats’ midterm sweep tests US-Israel ties as Eisenkot vows reset

Political sources describe the Democrats' midterm victory as a political blow to both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Latest News

From Tehran to Tel Aviv, Democrats’ midterm triumph sparks Middle East reactions

The sun sets on the US Capitol on Election Day evening on Nov. 3, 2026 in Washington.

'Generational wipeout': Democratic gains to reshape Trump's final years

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Gulf markets gain, oil falls as Democrats win Congress

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Rosaleen Carroll

News Reporter and Supporting Editor

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Paul J. Saunders

In Washington, DC, reporting on Russia in the Middle East

Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran

The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement.

Intel: Progressives defend Robert Malley as Biden's possible Iran envoy

Critics accuse the former Obama official of overlooking Iran's human rights record.

Erdogan's man takes on mission impossible in Washington

Turkey's incoming ambassador to Washington has surprised observers by being a political appointee, but his perceived direct line to the Turkish president may prove a major asset.

Iran reaches 20% uranium enrichment

The increase in enrichment levels complicates the Biden administration's efforts to get Iran to return to compliance before reentering the Iran nuclear deal.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces reporters during his first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2021. (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran’s FM tweets 'reality check' to US on nuclear deal

Iran's foreign minister responded over Twitter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's comments regarding US reentry to the deal.

The Takeaway: Timing of return to nuclear deal depends on Iran

Blinken reiterates Biden policy to return to nuclear deal, once Iran is in compliance; Israel readies its war room as possible last resort.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses reporters during his first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2021. (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

'A prudent first step': State Department reviewing UAE, Saudi arms sales

The administration has suspended major foreign arms sales in what the State Department characterized as a routine decision.

Biden administration pauses arms sales to Gulf pending review

The freeze includes the F-35 deal for the United Arab Emirates and bombs for Saudi Arabia.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MAY 01: Two B-52 Bombers and two F-15 fighter jets fly over the University Medical Center on May 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The flyover was done as a salute to first responders and hospital workers in some of the hardest hit areas of the coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran

The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East.

Iranian-American sentenced to prison, allegedly without a trial

Iran has imprisoned a number of dual citizens of the United States and European countries on disputed charges.

US envoy previews Biden's Israeli-Palestinian policy at the United Nations

Washington plans to reestablish diplomatic missions with the Palestinian Authority and defend Israel from "bias" at the UN.

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei speaks during a news conference in the capital Tehran on July 22, 2019. - Iran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was a "legal measure", Rabiei said otoday.
Iran impounded the Stena Impero tanker on July 19, on allegations it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. (Photo by str / AFP) (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran to restrict nuclear inspections unless sanctions lifted

Government spokesperson Ali Rabiei said Iran would start restricting short-notice inspections of its nuclear facilities beginning next month.