Khalil Speaks With France 24 About the Impact of the Midterms on the War in Iran

November 5, 2026

France 24

Osamah F. Khalil

History Department

International Relations Undergraduate Program

Middle Eastern Studies Program

Conflict

Federal Government

International Affairs

Middle East & North Africa

Osamah F. Khalil

After the Republicans lost both houses of Congress in the Nov. 3 midterms, Vice President J.D. Vance said the party lost because of the war in Iran, while President Trump acknowledged the war contributed to the defeat but insisted it was worth it. This has exposed divisions among Republicans over foreign policy and the party’s direction, as potential 2028 candidates like Vance, Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis position themselves.

“The 2026 midterm elections in the U.S. were a resounding rejection of President Trump's policies during his second term, in particular the war with Iran. Vance's statement indicates that sectors of the government that want a negotiated solution to end the conflict as soon as possible are trying to use the results of the midterm elections to influence President Trump,” says Osamah Khalil, director of the International Relations Undergraduate Program,.

“But, if that fails, Vance will at least be able to distance himself from that policy with a view to the presidential elections,” Khalil says.

He adds that, “President Trump has entered the ‘lame duck’ stage, with historically low popularity ratings and a shaky stalemate with Iran that contributed to his crushing defeat at the polls. If he hopes to save the last two years of his presidency and legacy, as well as maintain the MAGA movement, it is essential, first, that he quickly end the war with Iran.”