US president links midterm defeat to Iran war, fuel prices and attitudes towards Israel

US President Donald Trump has linked the Republican Party's midterm election defeat to the war against Iran, higher gasoline prices and what he described as growing hostility towards Israel among Americans.

In a television interview, Trump said public sentiment towards Israel had become increasingly negative. The remarks came from a president who has repeatedly presented himself as one of Israel's strongest supporters. He also argued that Israel could not have survived without US support and said American military action against Iran had protected the country.

Vice President JD Vance and other officials are involved in indirect talks with Iran. Trump warned that military operations could resume if those talks fail, keeping the prospect of renewed fighting in view as the administration assesses both the election result and its foreign policy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, said the United States had two choices: stop the war and reach an agreement, or resume fighting and face defeat. His remarks set out Tehran's position as the indirect negotiations continue.