Iranian leaders taunt Trump after midterm results, threaten retaliation
Iranian officials reacted with derision to the Republican setbacks in the recent midterm elections, suggesting the United States is in decline and warning of a forceful response should President Trump resume military action.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf posted on X, stating, “Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message,” and cautioned Trump against escalating conflict. He added, “If the US govt betrays their public will to serve international paymasters and blackmailers, it will learn our NO comes with a Nightmare.”
Hamidreza Moghadamfar, an advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued a similar warning, stating that Iran is prepared to retaliate if Trump restarts airstrikes. “If the United States or the Zionists take action, Iran will respond with a new doctrine and new weapons, delivering responses that differ from those of the past,” Moghadamfar said.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, released a statement claiming the “process of the US’s collapse has accelerated,” referring to the United States as the “Great Satan” and asserting Iran’s unwavering resolve.
Iranian state media joined in the mockery of President Trump’s losses, with one outlet quipping, “Trump failed at regime change in Iran but he succeeded in Texas,” referencing a viral post on X.
Iran’s electoral system lacks the freedom and fairness characteristic of democratic nations; all candidates must be approved by the Supreme Leader. Freedom House ranks Iran as one of the least free countries globally, placing it below Russia.
Prior to the midterm elections, Iranian officials published an open letter to American voters, urging them to oppose Trump and the war. Reports also indicated Tehran attempted to leverage the ongoing conflict and high gas prices to negatively impact Republican candidates. Reuters reported that senior Iranian officials confirmed prolonging negotiations was a deliberate strategy to undermine Trump’s position in peace talks.
Despite the celebratory tone in Iran, officials are also concerned that Trump may react to the midterm results by intensifying plans for military action. Trump has stated his preference for diplomacy, reserving the option of military action if he perceives a lack of seriousness in Iranian negotiations.
Source
“Iran gloats over Trump's midterm blowout: 'US collapse has accelerated'”
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