Now that the midterm elections are over, US President Donald Trump says that it’s time to move on to bigger and better things — despite the Republicans’ resounding loss at the polls — which includes looking at the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran.
To Destroy, or Not to Destroy
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, with his now-infamous “VETO” red hat sitting prominently on his desk, the president said he was conferring with national security advisers on the next steps the US will take in the Middle East, which include more attacks against Iran.
A formation of four U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly over the Gulf of America, Nov. 21, 2025. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink flew in the backseat of the lead jet as part of his visit to Eglin AFB. The flight oriented Meink to F-15EX tactics, techniques and procedures being developed and advanced by the 53d Wing to include weapons capacity, next-gen survivability, and next-generation radars, sensors and networking capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles)
F-15EX Eagle II. Artist Rendition. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Trump said that ensuring that Iran never builds a nuclear weapon is high on the list of the US’ priorities.
But given that his initial decision to attack Iran sparked a worldwide hike in gas prices — one where the US was not spared and was the deciding factor that tipped the US Congress blue — the implications of renewed attacks arguably warrant further review.
“I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I will have to. You’ll know soon enough,” Trump said.
Mediation Continues
Despite Trump’s threat of possible new attacks against Iran by US forces, mediation and diplomatic efforts to put an end to the conflict in the Middle East have continued.
Mediators from Qatar have continued to communicate with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other Iranian representatives to discuss initial steps proposed by the White House that could potentially spark a larger peace deal.
Some stipulations include the US’ lifting of its naval blockade and the partial unfreezing of Iran’s funds, in exchange for access and inspection of its nuclear facilities.
More importantly, Iran would also be required to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Other Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, are also involved in brokering peace talks.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Hostile Territory
As decision-makers in Washington, D.C. and Tehran continue talks, the Strait of Hormuz remains off-limits to most vessels.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations recently reported that an oil tanker off Oman, transiting the strait, was attacked.
The news came after two other tankers were struck by mines for allegedly passing through routes that the Iranian military has deemed “unauthorized.” Yet another separate and similar attack caused the death of a seafarer.
The Iranian military has also threatened to attack American assets regardless of their location in the world, should the US decide to launch a renewed offensive against the Muslim-run country.
Iran has also stressed that the US needs to meet seven requirements before it opens the Strait of Hormuz.
Besides the unfreezing of its money abroad and the lifting of US sanctions, Iran is also demanding compensation for wartime losses, full freedom to sell oil, the reduction of US forces in West Asia, and for the US to cease all attacks against Iran and other groups it is allied with in the Middle East.
Iran Continues to Cultivate Close Ties With Russia
Meanwhile, Iran also continues to build a closer relationship with Russia, as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iranian Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei at the Kremlin recently.
The two reportedly discussed “important regional issues” and “post-war period and regional security arrangements.”
Russia and Iran, two of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world, are also exploring the possibility of establishing a natural gas pipeline between the two countries, as Iran grapples with an energy crisis brought about by US sanctions.
In turn, Moscow would gain a new way to sell Russian gas to other countries.
Republicans’ Midterm Loss Affects Its Bargaining Power
Observers say that the GOP’s resounding defeat at the midterm polls has likely emboldened the Iranians, who were quick to point out that the war in Iran was a major factor in deciding the Democrats’ victory.
Some US officials are pushing Trump to finalize a deal soon to stem any further losses — both politically and economically — while other parties, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are advocating for renewed offensives against Iran.
About the Author: Tim Ramos
Tim Ramos has written for various publications, corporations, and organizations, covering everything from finance, politics, travel, entertainment, and sports – in Asia and the U.S. for more than 10 years.
