Middle EastUpdated November 5

Asharq: Midterm fallout sharpens debate over Iran war and Israel ties

Asharq News reported on Nov. 5 that Vance publicly blamed the Iran war for Republican midterm losses and said discussion of the next step should begin with the war’s political cost. Asharq also reported that he viewed U.S. ties with Israel as a political liability. Trump described Vance’s analysis as largely true in light of fuel prices, while continuing to defend the decision to fight. Citing Axios reporting and unnamed sources, Asharq said Vance privately criticized Netanyahu’s Iran policy and Netanyahu pressed Trump to strike Iran before the election; Trump decided to wait. The report described negotiations, possible renewed operations and continuation of existing pressure measures as options under discussion, not settled decisions. Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the October 26 visit to Tehran by the Defense Minister and representatives of the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defense was part of efforts to reduce escalation, encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and support Qatar-Pakistan mediation. SPA reported that Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments and efforts to strengthen regional security and stability in a Nov. 5 call.

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Coverage started November 5