Trump faces fresh Iran war scrutiny after Democrats seize Congress

November 04, 2026 (MLN): The Democratic Party’s victory in both chambers of the U.S. Congress could push President Donald Trump to place greater emphasis on foreign policy during his remaining two years in office, while increasing pressure on his administration over the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.

Democrats secured a majority in the Senate, with the Associated Press projecting Republican seat losses in Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.

The party also gained control of the House of Representatives, strengthening its ability to oversee the administration, influence federal spending and challenge Trump’s policy decisions, according to CNBC.

Despite the change in congressional control, Trump is expected to retain considerable authority over foreign policy, although his administration could face tougher oversight and investigations, according to experts cited by CNBC.

Laurel Rapp, director of Chatham House’s U.S. and North America Programme, said the president would face constraints on oversight-related matters, but would continue to enjoy considerable flexibility in shaping foreign policy.

She identified the Iran conflict as a significant factor in the election, noting that rising fuel and food prices, alongside inflation, had become major concerns for voters. The conflict began on February 28, when Trump ordered joint military strikes with Israel against Iran.

Democrats are expected to use their newly gained congressional influence to challenge the administration’s military involvement in Iran through votes in both chambers, Rapp said.

However, she questioned whether such efforts would necessarily restrict the president’s actions, noting that Democrats could also use congressional control over government spending to limit funding for U.S. military operations and other expenses related to the conflict.

Although lawmakers could pass legislation seeking to end U.S. involvement in the war, overriding a presidential veto would require sufficient support in Congress.

Meanwhile, Berenberg Chief Economist Holger Schmieding projected in a Wednesday note that the conflict could see another round of bombing in Iran before Trump eventually reaches an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 2027.

He expects mounting pressure from voters over elevated prices and fuel costs to influence the administration's approach to the conflict.

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