What Ordinary Iranians Think of the Democrats’ Midterm Victory

The Iranian regime has welcomed the Democratic Party’s sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, presenting the results as a rejection of President Donald Trump’s policies and his war against Iran. But among ordinary Iranians, the reaction is far less straightforward — and much grimmer — according to several people of varied backgrounds who spoke to The Algemeiner inside Iran.

While some Iranians see the Republican defeat as a setback for an American president they hoped would bring an end to the Islamic Republic, others fear that a Democratic-controlled Congress could weaken Washington’s willingness to confront Tehran. In either case, the response is disappointment.

The contrast between the government’s interpretation and public opinion reveals a deeper divide over what kind of American policy could bring meaningful change to Iran.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was among the first senior Iranian officials to comment on the results. In a post on X, he wrote, “Conscience or the cost of living, Americans said No To War, and we endorse this message.” He also warned Washington against disregarding the American electorate’s wishes.