Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned that the Middle East conflict would expand if the United States resumes military attacks against the country, amid growing diplomatic efforts to prevent a fresh escalation.

Khamenei issued the warning on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, while dismissing expectations that the US midterm election results would lead to a change in Washington’s approach towards Tehran.

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In a written statement published on his website, the Iranian leader said those expecting American policy to change because of political or party shifts were mistaken.

He also rejected the suggestion that concessions to Washington could persuade the United States to abandon what he described as its hostility towards Iran.

Khamenei’s comments followed the midterm elections, in which Democrats reportedly secured control of Congress, dealing a significant setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

The results could limit Trump’s ability to advance his domestic agenda, although he retains the authority to order further military operations.

Trump has recently threatened to resume the war against Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also maintained a hardline position towards Tehran.

Khamenei warned that any renewed aggression would make the conflict considerably wider, although he did not provide further details about Iran’s possible response.

The supreme leader has not appeared in public since assuming office in March following the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes.

He has since communicated through written statements.

Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with Washington, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the American electorate had rejected the war through its votes.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said Americans had voted against the conflict because of concerns about their conscience and the rising cost of living.

He warned that Tehran would respond if the US government ignored public opinion and pursued further military action.

Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, also reacted to the election outcome, describing Trump as having suffered both military and political defeats.

The war has become increasingly unpopular among sections of the American public, particularly as rising energy prices have added to the cost-of-living pressures.

Trump acknowledged on Tuesday that the conflict may have contributed to the Republican Party’s poor performance in the midterm elections.

Speaking to Fox News, he said Iran was partly responsible for the electoral setback, while maintaining that voters understood the importance of his actions.

The US president also confirmed that American forces had carried out strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.

Iranian state media reported five explosions in quick succession.

Trump said the operation targeted an anti-aircraft facility that had recently been completed, describing the strikes as a minor attack.

Earlier in the week, he had also threatened to deal with one or two remaining targets, including Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran, a site suspected by Washington of being linked to nuclear activities.

Tehran has denied that the location is a nuclear facility.

However, Trump told the Financial Times that a full-scale return to war might not be necessary, while warning that American forces remained prepared for further action.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed fighting have continued, with mediators seeking an agreement between the two countries.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government remained committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue.

He also disclosed that Khamenei had granted the government additional powers to negotiate on previously restricted issues.

Qatar, which has been involved in mediation efforts, said both sides were reviewing proposals presented by mediators.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari expressed hope that an interim agreement could be reached.

China also said on Wednesday that preventing a return to hostilities remained a priority in its diplomatic engagements with the countries involved.

The conflict began in February when the United States and Israel launched extensive strikes against Iran.

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Fighting has since remained largely at a stalemate, although Iranian officials have repeatedly warned of wider retaliation if Washington resumes its military campaign.