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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

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 9, 2025. (Photo by YURI KOCHETKOV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by YURI KOCHETKOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Egypt’s Sisi in Russia, meets Putin after military parade: What to know

Egypt and the Palestinian Authority both sent representatives to Russia for the annual World War II parade as they court ties with Moscow.

Palestine Vice President Hussein Sheikh meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on May 8, 2025.

Saudi crown prince hosts Palestinian VP Sheikh days before Trump visit

The trip comes ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom, as the Palestinian Authority eyes a role in postwar Gaza and Arab states push for a technocratic government in the enclave.

Khaldoun al-Mubarak, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Mubadala Investment Company, speaks at a panel session during the World Government Summit in Dubai on February 12, 2024. (Photo by RYAN LIM / AFP) (Photo by RYAN LIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Mubadala investments soar by 33% as UAE deepens AI ties with US

Mubadala made 119 billion Emirati dirhams ($32.4 billion) worth of investments in 2024, up 33.7% from the previous year, according to a Thursday statement from the UAE fund.

United Arab Emirates

MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images

Houthis pledge more attacks on Israel despite Trump truce: What to know

President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement of a ceasefire in Yemen drew mixed reactions from region as the Houthis vowed to continue strikes on Israel and some countries welcomed the truce as a step toward stability.

US President Donald Trump waits for the arrival of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump says US will stop bombing campaign against Houthis in Yemen

“They don’t want to fight anymore,” the US president said, announcing a pause in strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Israeli army tanks are deployed at a position near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 5, 2025. Israel was issuing orders to call up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of an expanded offensive in Gaza, Israeli media reported on May 3, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked truce mediator Qatar. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

As Trump heads to Gulf, Israeli security cabinet split over plan to 'conquer' Gaza

Some associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu campaign for a limited Gaza operation to increase military pressure on Hamas, while the extreme right ministers call for retaking the entire Strip.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Nodding donkey rig pumping crude oil up from the ground of an oil field in the desert.

Goldman Sachs lowers oil forecast after OPEC+ boosts production: What to know

Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of OPEC+ announced another major production increase, sending oil prices below $60 a barrel.

PETER NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump, Erdogan discuss defense ties, Ukraine, possible visit in call: What to know

The two leaders discussed defense cooperation, peace efforts in Ukraine.

Lebanese soldiers inspect the site near a burnt-out vehicle reportedly hit by an Israeli strike in Ghazieh, near Sidon, on April 18, 2025. Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike on April 18 hit a vehicle near the southern coastal city of Sidon, killing one person. Despite a November 27 ceasefire that sought to halt more than a year of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has continued to carry out near-daily strikes in Lebanon. (Photo by Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP) (Photo by MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/A

Can new US general advance Hezbollah disarmament in Lebanon?

The Pentagon has assigned a new general to oversee the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire as the Trump administration continues to pressure the Beirut government to hasten the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Rubio links Iran's economic fate to nuke deal as Trump vows sanctions

The top US diplomat's comments come amid a delay in the fourth round of Oman-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran over a potential deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East at the White House on Feb. 11, 2025.

Trump's Gaza diplomacy takes back seat to Iran, Ukraine in first 100 days

Gaza is on the back burner as nuclear negotiations with Iran and talks to end the Ukraine war command the attention of President Trump and his Middle East envoy.

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz speaks during the Hill & Valley Forum at the US Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium in Washington, DC, on April 30, 2025.

Trump taps Mike Waltz as UN ambassador

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim national security adviser.