Trump defends Iran war despite Republican midterm losses

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 9 Nov, 09:56 · Archive

Republicans lost control of Congress in midterm elections; Vice President JD Vance blamed the eight-month Iran war, though Trump defended the decision.

Republicans lost control of both houses of Congress in midterm elections. Vice President JD Vance blamed the eight-month war with Iran for the party's defeat, saying the conflict had cost them at least seven Senate seats including Texas, Ohio, Kansas and Iowa. Vance stated bluntly: 'The reason we lost is the war', and challenged anyone to argue that 'losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it'.

President Trump acknowledged that the war contributed to Republican losses but defended his decision to launch it. In an interview with CBS News, Trump said he would make the same choice again, adding that 'you can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon'. He argued the decision would be viewed favourably historically, despite short-term unpopularity. 'I think, historically, this will be a very good decision. Is it a good decision for today and tomorrow? Maybe not,' Trump said.

Trump said he did not disagree with Vance's assessment and that the vice president had been transparent with him beforehand. However, Trump expressed one criticism: he wished Vance had stated whether he would support going to war with Iran again if given the opportunity. Trump said his answer to that question was an emphatic yes.

Trump told reporters that 'a lot of people' disliked Vance's comments but insisted his relationship with his vice president remained strong. He indicated Vance had been 'right other than one thing' in his assessment of the midterm losses.

When asked about further military action, Trump said he was 'not looking to' escalate the war and saw 'no reason to'. GB News reports that Trump claimed Iran's nuclear stockpile was 'buried under thousands of tons of rocks' and suggested the material was no longer a threat. Trump also stated that countries which had relied on US protection during the war would 'pay us back any and all costs'.

How it is being reported

• Trump says US has ‘won’ Iran war as Rubio reports no progress in talksThe US president said that renewed strikes were unlikely unless Tehran failed to reach a deal, as US forces struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said Washington must end sanctions and the blockade before any talks, while Rubio reported no progress.Euronews · 9 Nov, 10:42
• Trump says there is "no reason" to escalate war with IranPresident Trump told 60 Minutes the war with Iran was a "good decision" long-term, despite short-term impact.CBS News · 9 Nov, 08:42
• Donald Trump insists he will not escalate Iran war after midterm drubbingDonald Trump has insisted he will not escalate the Iran war after the Republicans lost massively in the midterm elections. Reports before the election suggested the President would begin a new wave of strikes on Iran immediately after the midterms. But now, after his party lost control of both the Senate and the House, the President has downplayed the chance of further military action. When asked if he planned to escalate the war, he told CBS News: "I'm not looking to. I don't think there's any reason to." TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say And when pressed on Iran still having nuclear…GB News · 9 Nov, 03:48
• Trump says 'a lot of people didn't like' Vance's criticism of Iran war after crushing midterm defeat... but challenges vice president to answer one questionPresident Donald Trump admitted 'a lot of people' disliked JD Vance's criticism of the Iran war but insisted their relationship remained strong. Trump said his vice president was largely correct.Daily Mail · 9 Nov, 03:35
• Trump says he doesn’t disagree with Vance that Iran war fueled GOP lossesPresident Donald Trump said he doesn’t disagree with JD Vance’s assessment that the Iran war, rising costs and Israel ties contributed to GOP midterm losses.Fox News · 9 Nov, 03:13
• ROBERT L MAGINNIS: Iran War cost Republicans Congress. What will it cost America?JD Vance blamed the Middle East conflict for Republican losses as Democrats flipped both houses of Congress after eight months of fighting Iran.Fox News · 8 Nov, 15:00

In this story: Donald Trump · JD Vance · Iran · Republican Party · Congress

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log