Trump defends Iran conflict while GOP concedes midterm defeat
The president cited gasoline costs as a factor in Republican losses but vowed to veto Democratic bills.
By Marta Gray ·
President Donald Trump defended his decision to engage in military conflict with Iran on Wednesday, asserting that a nuclear-armed Tehran posed a greater long-term threat to the United States.
The comments came as Republicans absorbed historic losses in the 2026 midterm elections. With votes still being counted, Democrats have secured at least seven additional Senate seats and 28 House seats. The shift in the chamber composition signals a stronger opposition party for the president's final term.
Vice President JD Vance blamed the conflict with Iran for the party's poor performance. In a lengthy post on the social media platform X, he stated that the war was the primary reason for the defeat. Vance has opposed the engagement with Iran since the beginning of the dispute.
Standing in the White House ballroom, which is currently under construction, Trump partially agreed with Vance. He acknowledged that the conflict drove up gasoline prices in the short term. However, he maintained that the strategic move was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
"Well, I think it's largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term," Trump said. "And probably that's probably it's true. But at the same time, if I had to do again, I'd have to do it again, because long term it's the only answer. You can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon."
The president also addressed the new congressional leadership. He stated he is willing to work with congressional Democrats. He further declared that he will use his veto power to block Democratic legislation. His goal is to force negotiations between the two parties to find a legislative path forward.
