Iranian officials on Wednesday described the Republican Party's losses in the US midterm elections as a rejection of President Donald Trump's war against Iran, as diplomatic efforts continued to prevent renewed fighting.
Iran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said American voters had rejected the war amid rising fuel and commodity prices, while Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad claimed US sanctions had failed to weaken Iran's economy.
However, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned that political changes in Washington would not end US hostility towards Iran.
Tensions have persisted despite ceasefire agreements, with military incidents reported in southern Iran and around the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm and Hengam islands and near Bandar Abbas ahead of the elections, although authorities have not disclosed the damage.
Meanwhile, thousands of Iranians marked the anniversary of the 1979 US Embassy takeover in Tehran on Wednesday, burning American and Israeli flags and chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days following the November 4, 1979, takeover.
Back-channel negotiations are continuing, with mediators reportedly seeking an arrangement under which Iran would halt attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington lifting its naval blockade.
US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a possible negotiated settlement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to launch further strikes against Iran.
The US and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28, killing its longtime supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and disrupting global energy markets and shipping.