Vance Blames Iran War for Republican Midterm Defeats

The Republican Party's losses in the 2026 US midterm elections have prompted reactions from political leaders across the world, as Democrats retake Congress. Several foreign officials connected the results to public dissatisfaction with Donald Trump's policies, particularly the war against Iran, rising living costs, and Washington's international relations.

In Iran, parliament speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf blamed the Republican losses on the unresolved conflict with Tehran. He argued that the war contradicted Trump's campaign promise not to start new wars, contributed to a global energy crisis, and intensified cost-of-living pressures.

Ghalibaf addressed the election outcome in a statement published on X.

"Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message. If the US govt betrays their public will to serve international paymasters and blackmailers, it will learn our NO comes with a Nightmare," said Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and senior negotiator.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed hope that the election outcome would create an opportunity to concentrate on ending the Iran war and reducing financial pressures on households. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also welcomed the Democratic victory.

"Congratulations to Democrats on a huge victory last night. With a focus on hope, unity and supporting families with the cost of living – their campaign was a true rejection of the damaging and divisive politics of Donald Trump," said Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, in a post on X.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not publicly commented on the American election results. Netanyahu, who lost his parliamentary majority the previous week, also received no public response from his right-wing allies.

Opposition figures, however, criticized the political implications of the results for Netanyahu's government.

Yair Golan said the outcome demonstrated "just how toxic Netanyahu is among both Democrats and Republicans" and warned that his coalition risked pushing Israel further into "global isolation" and confrontation with Washington, its most important ally.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also assessed the consequences for Israeli politics, saying the results "effectively rule out any possibility of a unity government led by Netanyahu".

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the election outcome amid strained diplomatic relations with Washington. Tensions have increased after Trump repeatedly accused the South African government of persecuting its white minority, allegations that the source article describes as false, and offered refugee status to members of that community.

"The people of America have spoken," said Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa.

Ramaphosa added that the political shift could influence international relations and expressed hope for improved bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

"I do think that this is going to introduce a new era in world relations. We're hoping that on a bilateral basis there will be a coming together of minds," said Ramaphosa.

European leaders also interpreted the results as a potential shift in American foreign policy. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez celebrated the Democratic victory, describing it as evidence of growing opposition to conservative political movements.

"Yesterday, American society voted against the policies that only impoverish. Against hate. Against sexism. Against climate denialism and against the privileges of the elites," said Pedro Sánchez, Spain's prime minister, in a post on X.

Sánchez, who faced a difficult campaign ahead of Spain's general election at the end of November, predicted that similar political developments could occur in his country.

"It happened in Brazil. It just happened in the US. And it will happen soon in Spain," Sánchez said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also welcomed the outcome, emphasizing the importance of democratic institutions while referring to political tensions within Poland.

"Today, democracy won in America," said Donald Tusk, Poland's prime minister.

Tusk continued by praising democratic government and expressing hope that the results would help stabilize the region. He also criticized the use of presidential vetoes as a governing method, an apparent reference to his dispute with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a Trump ally, over the country's constitutional court.

"Democracy is amazing; I love democracy, it's a beautiful thing," Tusk said.

"I hope that the result will stabilise the situation also in our region, but then Trump is still the president … My advice would be not to overuse the veto … as a sort of method of governing," Tusk added.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the results as a significant indication of changing political preferences among American voters. He pointed to differences between emerging political voices in the United States and the Trump administration on environmental policy, foreign affairs, and development assistance.

"This is a powerful political signal about a change of course among American voters. Voices are now emerging in American politics that are closer to us than the president and the administration have stood for, for example on climate and environment, and in foreign policy and development aid policy," said Jonas Gahr Støre, Norway's prime minister, in comments to Reuters.

German officials also welcomed the Democratic gains. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius congratulated the Democrats on what he described as a historic victory, according to German broadcaster Dlf. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the outcome could bring continuity in Germany's relationship with the Trump administration while creating changes in relations with congressional Democrats. He also expressed hope for progress on Ukraine.

In France, Finance Minister Roland Lescure discussed the potential consequences for Trump's domestic and international policies. He highlighted gasoline prices as an issue that could influence the president's response to the election outcome.

"Either he decides to rise above the fray – acknowledging that changes are necessary, particularly regarding gasoline prices, which directly affect people – and, I might add, he tones down his international involvement; or he does not. Frankly, this is something we will need to keep an eye on in the coming days," said Roland Lescure, France's finance minister, according to Reuters.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said American voters had delivered a clear political message. She emphasized the importance of maintaining congressional support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.

"I hope that the new Congress ... will continue supporting Ukraine and also putting more pressure on Russia," said Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief.

Kallas added that cooperation between Europe and the United States remained important in efforts to persuade Moscow to end its war against Ukraine.

"US voters have made their choice clear," Kallas said.

In Moscow, the Kremlin expressed hope that the election results would not undermine Trump's efforts to pursue a settlement in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the issue in comments broadcast by Russian state media.

"We are sincerely counting on [Trump] continuing his peacemaking efforts," said Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declined to comment on the American election results. Speaking to reporters on November 4, she said her attention was focused on Italy's Armed Forces Day.

"We'll talk about America some other time. Right now, it's Armed Forces Day, 4 November," said Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister.