Speaking on the outcome of the US midterm election, Iranian international relations expert Akbar Masoumi argues that the Republican defeat was not simply a Democratic win. According to Masoumi, Washington’s miscalculations in its conflict with Iran have permanently eroded US influence in the region while escalating economic pressure back home.

Despite the political shift in Congress, public concern in Tehran remains high as Masoumi warns that ongoing US military deployments and scaled-back diplomatic operations could point toward renewed high-intensity conflict.