Iran, Gaza, Ukraine: What will US midterm results mean for these conflicts?

Despite their wins, Democrats lack the two-thirds majority needed to overturn a presidential veto and push through a law. As Democrats swept to victory in a blue wave across the United States in this week’s midterm elections, the world’s eyes turned to Congress and how it is likely to address conflicts in Iran, Gaza and Ukraine from January.

The midterms have largely been viewed as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly his decision to start a war with Iran in February. The war has proved deeply unpopular in the US, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused fuel prices to soar, and as it has cost US taxpayers an estimated $47bn so far.

Several prominent Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, have already made moves to distance themselves from the conflict . European leaders cautiously welcomed the results on Wednesday, voicing hopes that the Democrat-led lawmakers taking office in January would help mend fractured transatlantic ties and boost Washington’s waning support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.