Iran celebrates US election loss with new anti-Trump banner

Tehran has marked the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy seizure by unveiling a large billboard over Enqelab Square. The prominent display features the American president behind bars and includes the English slogan, "We will kill Trump." This visual statement underscores the personal animosity held by official Iranian circles toward Donald Trump, a sentiment that has been amplified by the recent US midterm election results.

The timing of the poster is considered significant because the election outcome effectively ended the prospect of a second term for the current administration. Iran's leadership views this political shift as a validation of their strategy, which has kept the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian influence for eight months. This control has transmitted inflation and high diesel prices to the US economy, a cost that Trump acknowledged on Wednesday as a burden the American public may not be willing to sustain to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

Triumphalism is evident among Iranian political figures who interpret the election results as a broader victory. Ehsan Movaheidian, an international relations scholar, claimed that Iran had achieved regime change in America and predicted a similar outcome in Europe. In parliament, conservative member Meisam Zohurian stated that the aggressor had been smeared in the dirt due to Iran's impact on the result. Ali Nikzad, the first deputy speaker, described the electoral defeats as aftershocks of Trump's defeat by the Iranian people.

Despite the celebratory mood, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei cautioned against expecting a shift in US policy. He wrote that those hoping for a change in the behavior of the hegemonic system through partisan shifts or concessions were seriously mistaken. Other officials predicted further electoral defeats for warmongers in Europe and the eventual expulsion of US bases from the Middle East.

Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged Trump to accept the wisdom of the American people. He noted on social media that America said no to war and that if the US government betrayed this public will to serve international paymasters, it would learn that Iran's refusal comes with a nightmare. However, Iran is also expected to reflect on its strategy as Gulf monarchies, Russia, and China look for solutions to the blockade preventing oil exports.

China, which is seeking to secure Middle East oil for its industries, appears to be testing the feasibility of a deal where Iran dilutes its highly enriched uranium stockpile under international supervision. A Chinese special envoy is traveling to Oman, Iran, and Saudi Arabia to explore these options. These nations may point out that if Tehran hoped Trump would capitulate before the elections, it was mistaken, as he remained determined to keep Iran in his vice despite darkening opinion polls.

For the next two months, before the new Congress convenes in January, Trump has greater latitude and less accountability. This period allows him to pursue a legacy by potentially finishing the conflict. Influencers like Laura Loomer are pressing for a quick strike, arguing that there is nothing left to lose. Although Loomer's credibility was damaged after she previously advised that regime change would be easy, Benjamin Netanyahu is also touting intelligence about Iran preparing chemical weapons.

Hillary Clinton, who believes Trump will launch the long-delayed attack, said he will feel trapped and react aggressively. Trump told Fox News this week that Iran has very few missiles and drones left and that the US is dealing with total strength. He expressed confidence that the conflict could be ended at any time, a sentiment that has been heard before with varying degrees of success.