🔻Iranians follow the U.S. election with hope and concern

🖋Khashayaar Jenidi, BBC Persian reporter in Washington

🔻While Americans are debating the impact of the war with Iran on the outcome of the midterm elections, Iranians are following these elections for another reason: whether the results will increase the likelihood of another war or will provide the groundwork for diplomacy.

However, Iranians have different views about what they would consider a desirable outcome of this election. Many of them, after months of war, economic problems, and uncertainty, are worried about the resumption of hostilities. In contrast, another group—especially opponents of the Islamic Republic—see the continuation of U.S. military pressure as a possible path to changing the government.

Some are concerned that Democrats taking control of Congress would limit Donald Trump’s ability to act, reduce pressure on Tehran, and make the prospect of political change in Iran less likely. In contrast, others hope that a Democratic victory could prevent further military actions, even though Congress’s powers to stop such actions are limited.

Meanwhile, some Iranians also oppose both the Islamic Republic and foreign intervention.