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Can Trump turn midterm defeat into Iran breakthrough?

Although Iran may have contributed to Republican losses in midterms, the Trump administration still has a historic opportunity in the Middle East.

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

Latest News

Explainer

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

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.

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

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

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad stands next to his wife Asma, as he addresses injured soldiers and their mothers during a celebration marking Syrian Mother's Day in Damascus, in this handout picture provided by SANA on March 21, 2016. REUTERS/SANA/Handout via Reuters ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

Intel: Assad, wife named in new Syria sanctions

The US State Department has warned more sanctions are coming in the weeks and months ahead as part of the Caesar Act.

Battleground state Democrats warn against annexation after AIPAC greenlights criticism

Eight Senate candidates in battleground states are warning Israel against annexing the West Bank after the American Israel Public Affairs Committee greenlit the criticism.

A man rides a motorbike past damaged buildings in the rebel-held town of Nairab, Idlib region, Syria April 17, 2020. Picture taken April 17, 2020. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi - RC2C8G9K3BBG

US kills two al-Qaeda affiliates in northwest Syria

A US drone struck a vehicle carrying two senior commanders of Huras al-Din, one a Jordanian leader and the other a Yemeni leader of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group.

Iraqi security forces demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony at an Iraqi army base in Camp Taji in Baghdad, February 21, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad - GF10000317853

Iraqi forces thwart rocket attack near US troops

Iraq's success in stopping a rocket attack comes after dialogue with the United States on reducing US troop levels and protecting international coalition forces in the country.

Report: King Abdullah of Jordan refused phone call with Israeli PM due to annexation

Jordan-Israel relations continue to worsen over Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank in July.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks at a news conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S., September 26, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid - HP1EF9Q1CPOMH

Iran's Rouhani warns other countries against following US arms sanctions

Iran has warned other countries of the United Nations Security Council to not go along with US plans to continue the arms embargo.

Palestinians gesture as others hold a banner with pictures of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody, and Iyad al-Halaq, an unarmed autistic Palestinian who was shot dead by Israeli police, during a protest against racial inequality, in Gaza City June 11, 2020. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem - RC2X6H9B9II7

Palestinian activists press solidarity between Palestinians, Black Lives Matter

Palestinians raised photos of Iyad al-Hallaq, an autistic Palestinian shot by Israeli police, and George Floyd to make a comparison between racism against black people and Palestinians.

Black Lives Matter protests in US spark mixed reactions in Egypt

Protests in the United States have drawn mixed reactions in Egypt, with government supporters and the media portraying them as anarchy and pro-democracy activists eyeing them with nostalgia and a sense of deja vu.

Israel’s government approves funding for Trump Heights settlement

One year after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the establishment of Trump Heights settlement in the Golan Heights, the Cabinet approves an initial construction budget.

Intel: US to pull more troops from Iraq as dialogue with Baghdad continues

The United States said it will further reduce its troop levels in Iraq as American diplomats and their Iraqi counterparts continue a round of dialogue initiated yesterday over the future of the countries’ relationship.

Syrian pounds are pictured inside an exchange currency shop in Azaz, Syria February 3, 2020. Picture taken February 3, 2020. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi - RC2N3F9FNKPU

As Syria’s economy teeters, US prepares sweeping sanctions

On Wednesday, the US State Department will announce the first round of targets under the so-called Caesar Act.

A member of security forces loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government holds his weapon during a security deployment in Tarhouna city, Libya June 11, 2020. REUTERS/Ismail Zitouny - RC247H9IT468

Erdogan aims for 'new era' in US-Turkey ties, with Libya top of agenda

Mideast economic forecast is "heavily tilted to the downside," said a World Bank report.