Will Trump strike Iran again? Election defeat may not stand in the way

US President Donald Trump faces the question of how to end the war with Iran after the midterm elections, the US congressional vote held midway through a presidential term. The electoral loss has not stopped the fighting, and a renewed attack on Iran cannot be ruled out.

Explaining the loss

US Vice President J. D. Vance said after the vote that the war was the reason for the defeat. Trump acknowledged that this was mostly true, but stressed that there had been no other choice, because Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

The conflict goes on

After months of hostilities, the nuclear issue remains unresolved. Within Iran itself, calls are growing louder to acquire such a weapon after all, in order to protect the country from future attacks.

In June, the United States and Iran reached an initial agreement on a ceasefire, but it fell apart within a few weeks. Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the American naval blockade are continuing.

The deadlock keeps tension high in the energy market. Its consequences are felt by Americans, by Europeans and by the rest of the world.

What comes next

Trump had earlier promised to resolve the conflict one way or another after the midterms. The open question is whether another military operation could achieve what has not been achieved so far.