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November 7, 2026

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US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, speaks during a press conference

Explainer

Who will lead Congress? Democrats weigh Schumer alternatives, Jeffries bid

A number of contenders have emerged as challengers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, including strong critics of the Iran war and US support to Israel.

Tump

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.

Latest News

Feature

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

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

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

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.

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

UN gives thumbs-up for Palestine to lead Group of 77

The UN General Assembly is granting Palestine additional membership rights during its one-year chairmanship of the Group of 77.

Abdullah al-Khawlani stands with his son, Hafidh, who survived a Saudi-led air strike stand on the wreckage of a bus destroyed by the strike in Saada, Yemen September 4, 2018. Another son of al-Khawlani was killed by the strike. Picture taken September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Naif Rahma - RC1F0E3F8DD0

Amid famine, anger at Khashoggi murder, will Saudis be pressed to end Yemen war?

UN warnings of unprecedented famine in Yemen, combined with US disgust at Saudi Arabia’s killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, could spur Congress to pressure the Donald Trump administration to force an end to the Saudi-led war.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry face reporters before their meeting at the State Department in Washington, U.S., August 8, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas - RC1E1408CCB0

Congress calls out Pompeo over Egypt aid waiver

Democratic senators warned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that a recent US waiver to allow military aid to Egypt could be seen as an “endorsement” of human rights abuses.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama participates in a political rally for California Democratic candidates during a event in Anaheim, California, U.S., September 8, 2018. Left to right are candidates TJ Cox (CA-21), Gil Cisneros (CA-39), Katie Porter (CA-45), Harley Rouda (CA-48) and Mike Levin (CA-49). REUTERS/Mike Blake - RC1C008C89B0

Democratic midterm win threatens to constrain Trump’s Middle East policies

Democrats' victory in the House could impact US policy on Iran, Syria and Yemen.

A member of security staff is seen next to the barriers at the gate of Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, October 20, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - RC12AFAF48E0

Intel: Why Iran is blaming the US for Khashoggi’s death after three weeks of silence

Commentary: Is Trump helping Netanyahu win elections?

According to a European diplomat, US Ambassador David Friedman told colleagues that the Trump administration would not present its peace plan until after the elections are held in Israel, so as not to jeopardize the right-wing hold on power.

Iraqi court suspends Abadi's act to pull Fayadh from posts

A court ruling puts Faleh al-Fayadh back at the helm of Iraq's National Security Council and the Popular Mobilization Units, at least for now.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (unseen) in Jerusalem October 24, 2018. Ariel Schalit/Pool via REUTERS *** Local Caption *** - RC13EF38A5E0

Netanyahu losing his diplomatic ‘magic touch’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, master of international diplomacy, seems to be losing his magic touch: Ties with Jordan and Russia are shaky, the alliance with Saudi Arabia draws criticism and the Trump team might present its peace plan at any moment.

U.S. President Donald Trump gives remarks during the White House State Leadership Day Conference for local officials of Alaska, Hawaii and California at the White House in Washington, U.S., October 23, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis - RC1C2D3E9E00

Trump slams Saudi Khashoggi plot, US announces visa sanctions

US President Donald Trump heaped scorn on ally Saudi Arabia, saying the operation that killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi was “very bad” and the cover-up in weeks afterward was the “worst … ever.”

Taliban walk as they celebrate ceasefire in Ghanikhel district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan June 16, 2018.REUTERS/Parwiz - RC1E925E3990

Intel: How the latest sanctions on the Taliban target Iran

Intel: How Mnuchin’s trip to Saudi Arabia allows Prince Mohammed to save face

U.S. President Donald Trump announces his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement during a statement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, U.S. May 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RC1AB8675B40

Khashoggi killing undercuts Trump campaign against Iran

The US campaign to convince the world to cut off Iran has taken a hit two weeks before oil sanctions are set to kick in.