04.11.2026 14:52
Following the defeat suffered by Trump's party in the midterm elections held in the US, Washington's Iran policy became a matter of curiosity. While the election results were being discussed, shipments by US military cargo aircraft to Israel drew attention. It was reported that at least 6 C-17 type aircraft took part in the second wave of shipments, and it is assessed that the equipment transported may be aimed at strengthening Israel's air defense.
The congressional midterm elections held in the US resulted in a significant political defeat for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Democrats changed the balance of power in Washington by winning majorities in the Senate and the House of Representatives. While the cost of the Iran war and the high cost of living stood out in the elections, the US's military activities in the Middle East came back onto the agenda after the results.
As criticism of the Trump administration's Iran policy increased, it drew attention that military transport aircraft belonging to the American army continued shipments to Israel. According to flight tracking data, the US launched a new logistical movement toward military bases in southern Israel.
LOST THE ELECTION, ACKNOWLEDGED THE IMPACT OF THE IRAN WAR
According to a Reuters report, Democrats achieved significant gains even in states where Republicans are strong and secured a majority in both chambers of Congress. Dissatisfaction with the Iran war, rising living costs, and the Trump administration's economic policies was particularly influential in the election results.
According to CBS News, Trump acknowledged that the Iran war also played a role in the Republicans' election defeat. Nevertheless, the US president, who stated that he did not regret the decision to go to war, said he would make a similar decision again under the same conditions. While the election results weakened Trump's political support in Congress, they also brought to the agenda the question of how his military policy toward Iran would take shape.
A SECOND WAVE OF MILITARY SHIPMENTS FROM THE US TO ISRAEL
The American military movement, which began just before the elections, retained its place on the agenda today as the results were announced.
According to flight tracking data, at least 6 C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft belonging to the US Air Force took part in the second wave of shipments from Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss military installation in Texas to Ovda Air Base in southern Israel.
Eight military transport flights were recorded on the same route the previous week. It was stated that with the completion of the flights in the second wave, the total number of trips between the two bases could reach 16. The movement of the aircraft brought with it assessments that the US was making preparations to strengthen Israel's air defense capacity.
CLAIM OF PATRIOT AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM
Fort Bliss, the departure point of the shipments, is known as one of the important centers for the US military's air defense units. The movement of military aircraft from this base and the large number of trips carried out within a short period brought up claims that additional Patriot air defense systems may be being sent to Israel.
In reports previously published in the Israeli press, it was also stated that American military transport aircraft landed at Ovda and Nevatim air bases, and that the materials carried could be linked to defense preparations against possible Iranian attacks.
However, the entire cargo carried by the aircraft was not disclosed by official authorities. Nor has the deployment of a new and complete Patriot battery to Israel been confirmed by independent sources.
CLAIM THAT TRUMP WILL MAKE A NEW DECISION ON IRAN
The US's military shipments to Israel are being assessed together with claims of a new Iran operation that came to the agenda before the election. According to a report by The Times of Israel on October 30, it was alleged that Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), briefed Trump on military options regarding Iran at a meeting also attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.
The Israeli press also included claims that Washington and Tel Aviv could consider a limited but intense military operation option against Iran after the midterm elections on November 3.
A MESSAGE ALSO CAME FROM IRAN AFTER THE ELECTION
The election results in the US were also assessed by the Iranian administration. According to a CBS News report, Iran's chief negotiator argued that the Democrats' election success reflected the American people's reaction to the Iran war and rising living costs.
While efforts continue to restart diplomatic contacts between Iran and the US, security problems in the Strait of Hormuz also continue. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported on November 4 that four oil tankers trying to pass through the strait caught fire after hitting mines.
Thus, although the elections in the US were completed, the military and diplomatic tension around Iran continued to remain on the agenda.
WILL THE ELECTION RESULTS CHANGE THE US'S MILITARY PLANS?
Democrats' winning a majority in Congress means that the Trump administration's Iran policy may face more intense political scrutiny. However, newly elected members of Congress will take office in January.
For this reason, the election results are not expected to directly halt the US's current military shipments. On the other hand, the new balance of power in Congress may affect debates on military spending, war powers, and Iran policy in the coming period.
The US's recent flights to Israel are also noteworthy in this respect. Although the election results changed the political balance in Washington, military movement continues. There is no official confirmation, however, as to whether this is preparation for a new attack or a defensive measure against possible Iranian attacks.