Iran Braces for More War Regardless of Israeli and U.S. Elections

Iran is preparing for further fighting regardless of how elections in Israel and the United States turn out, according to The New York Times. The paper reported on October 31 that Tehran expects more attacks no matter who takes control of Israel's government or of Congress, and that Iran has shown little willingness to make concessions. Its leaders, the report said, do not expect a major shift in policy on the war with Israel and the United States.

Israel's vote ended in deadlock, with no clear winner. Reuters reported on October 28 that Benjamin Netanyahu was set to remain as caretaker prime minister, a role in which a leader stays in office while a new government is being formed. Before the vote, U.S. President Donald Trump had urged Israelis on October 18 to keep Netanyahu in power to "finish the job" against Iran. Netanyahu touted that endorsement on October 26, on the eve of the election.

A Reuters analysis published on October 21 said the election might change Israel's leader without changing its approach to the war. In that analysis, Iran remains Israel's chief adversary, and Israel will continue to use military force against it whatever the result. Other analysts do not expect Israel's policy toward Iran and its proxies, the armed groups it backs across the region, to change dramatically under any future government.

Diplomacy has not produced a settlement. Qatari mediators, third parties who carry proposals between the two sides, presented Iran with a new draft deal to end the war, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. Earlier in the month, U.S. officials said Iran was prolonging a stalemate in the talks to influence the U.S. midterm elections, the votes for Congress held halfway through a president's term. They said Iran was preparing for renewed Israeli and U.S. attacks rather than a deal. Iran's leadership, according to PBS, believes Trump will likely order new strikes regardless of the midterm results.