Midterm Temptation: US-Iran Tensions Hover Between Restraint and Escalation

As the US and Iran exchange attacks, the November midterms shape the response: Washington aims to curb escalation with sanctions and maritime pressure around the Strait of Hormuz while keeping military options on the table. Tehran may calculate that escalating before or after the vote maximizes leverage, even as public opposition to the war and rising energy costs complicate politics. Polls showing waning support for the conflict could influence strategy and the post-election path.