Card stack
After midterm loss, Trump is left to weigh his next move in Iran war that contributed to GOP debacle
Compiled Nov 5
What happened
Trump faces a decision about his 8-month-old war against Iran after Republicans suffered midterm election losses
The detail
Trump said the war was partly responsible for the losses but said he would do it again
The detail
Oil is flowing again from the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. Navy escorts for international tankers
The detail
The conflict has spread to the Red Sea with Iran-backed Houthi rebels fighting a Saudi Arabia-led coalition
How it unfolded
8 months before the midterms: Trump launched the war against Iran · In the weeks leading up to the U.S. elections: Trump threatened to return to full-scale bombardment of Iran if no settlement was reached · Over the weekend before the election: Netanyahu pressed Trump in a call to renew strikes on Iran, but Trump wouldn't commit · Tuesday: U.S. midterm elections resulted in a resounding Democratic victory · Wednesday: Trump made his first comments on the war after the election, agreeing it hurt Republicans but defending his decision · Wednesday: Brent crude oil price fell below $95, its lowest in two months
By the numbers
8 months duration of war · ~6 in 10 voters saying Iran strike was 'wrong decision' · $95 price per barrel of Brent crude · 8 in 10 Republican voters saying Iran strike was 'right decision' · about one-third voters calling Iran war 'crucial' to their vote
Still unresolved
Trump would not commit to taking military action during a weekend call with Netanyahu