Explained: After midterm loss, Trump is left to weigh his next move in Iran war that contributed to GOP debacle

Trump faces a decision about his 8-month-old war against Iran after Republicans suffered midterm election losses

Strait of Hormuz

A key shipping waterway for oil tankers near Iran, now being escorted by the U.S. Navy

Houthis

Iran-backed rebel group in Yemen fighting a Saudi Arabia-led coalition

Pickaxe Mountain

An underground facility in central Iran linked to its nuclear program, a potential U.S. strike target

fig leaf agreement

A term used by a former State Department official for a minimal deal that offers partial concessions without fully resolving the conflict

Brent crude

A major global oil price benchmark referenced to gauge market expectations about the conflict