Pratik AgrawalThe White House remains split on Iran policy after Republicans lost the midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources close to the administration.
White House divided over Iran policy
The White House still cannot settle on a unified Iran policy. This comes after Republicans lost the recent midterm elections. That is according to the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter.
Some administration officials are reportedly pushing President Donald Trump toward new strikes on Iran. Their goal is to secure peace before his term in office ends.
Others want the military operation wound down
Not everyone in the administration agrees with that approach. According to the WSJ report, “others believe that Trump should accept the losses and wind down the military operation”
Schumer vows to end the Iran conflict
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer made a promise on Tuesday. He said his party would work to end the conflict with Iran after its election win. Schumer added that some Republicans share this same goal.
Democrats appear set to gain ground in Congress
The US midterm vote took place on Tuesday. CNN projects the Democratic Party will win a majority in the House of Representatives. Bloomberg forecasts Democrats could also take control of the Senate. That would give them at least 51 seats there.
What a Democratic Congress could mean for Trump
A Democratic majority would let the party block Trump’s legislative agenda. It would also allow investigations into his administration. Lawmakers could limit government spending too. Senate control would let Democrats block Trump’s nominees for government posts.
Trump responds to the midterm defeat
Trump said he is ready to accept the midterm results. He added that he plans to work with Democrats going forward. He blamed the Republican losses on rising gas prices. Those price increases stemmed from the conflict with Tehran, he said. Before election day, Trump called divided government typical of American politics. He promised to become a “mister veto” against Democratic bills.
Iran’s ceasefire proposal still hangs in the balance
Iran offered the US a seven day plan in late September. It would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange, Washington would lift its naval blockade and export restrictions. Trump rejected that proposal at the time.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi spoke on Monday. He said the proposed timeline has since been shortened to just two days. However, he noted everything now depends on how Washington responds.
Akshay Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
