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The 2026 US midterms results are in: Donald Trump’s Republican Party has suffered a devastating defeat, losing both the House and the Senate amid voter fury over high fuel prices caused by the Iran war.


In today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey and Sophia Yan break down how the elections have changed the Congress map, from Texas’s flip to Abdul el-Sayed’s Michigan win. Along with guest Leo Shane, Politico’s defence correspondent, they ask what the midterm results mean for Trump and his foreign policy. The president has insisted future attacks against Iran remain on the table if they don’t strike a nuclear deal, but Tehran has warned that a return to full combat operations will be met with a “Nightmare” - will he be chastened or unleashed? And what does it mean for other countries in Trump’s sights such as Ukraine, Venezuela and Cuba?

Plus, the looming battle over the Pentagon’s budget, will Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth face impeachment and Trump's shock announcement to halt military aid to Israel.


Highlights


CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan

Leo Shane III, Politico defence reporter @LeoShane


WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Mapped: US midterms results in full

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/0/us-midterms-2026-results-for-senate-and-house-timings-democrat/

Trump crushed in midterms

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/11/04/james-talarico-texas-senate-ken-paxton-midterms/

John Bolton: The Democrats will now take revenge on Trump and his ilk

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/11/04/democrats-will-now-take-revenge-on-trump-and-his-ilk/

Trump’s election day gamble over Israel backs Vance into a corner

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/11/03/trump-election-day-gamble-israel-backs-vance-into-corner/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026


Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey


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","author_name":"The Telegraph"}