After US elections, Iran knows its strategy is working — against everyone but Israel

Analysis of Iran's strategy in the 2026 US-Israel war, following the US midterm elections. Iran's leadership celebrated Democratic gains as validation of its plan to outlast the US through economic warfare and casualties. While the strategy succeeded in souring American opinion — 60% of voters said the US made the 'wrong decision' — it has not weakened Israel's resolve, with 68% of Israeli voters expecting renewed war.

Following the US midterm elections, in which Democrats seized control of both houses of Congress, Iran's leadership openly celebrated the results as validation of its strategy to survive the war against the US. Top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote, 'Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message.' The article argues that Iran's plan, developed over two decades, relied on decentralizing command, appointing multiple successors, and using economic warfare — particularly by closing the Strait of Hormuz — to pressure the US public and force an end to hostilities. While this strategy succeeded in souring American opinion — 60% of voters in an AP poll said the US made the 'wrong decision' in taking military action — it has not weakened Israel's resolve. The article notes that 68% of Israeli voters believe Israel will have to go back to war against Iran in the next year, and that Israel's intelligence penetration of the regime remains a major threat to Tehran.