‘Seismic shift’: World reacts to US midterm election results

US Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, dealing President Donald Trump and Republicans a major setback. Foreign leaders said the result could influence US policy on Iran, Ukraine, trade and relations with allies, although Trump retains control of foreign policy.

European and British officials welcomed the prospect of stronger support for Ukraine and closer international ties, while stressing that Europe should build its own security capacity. Iran’s parliament speaker described the result as a rejection of war, but Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said a change in party control would not end US hostility towards Iran. Israeli opposition figures said the vote reflected growing opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Germany’s chancellor suggested Trump could govern more through executive orders.