Can the new Democratic Congress stop Trump's war with Iran?

Probably not, according to BBC diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams. Democrats cannot advance a foreign policy of their own. They can only put roadblocks in the way through oversight hearings and by tightening funding. Because US presidents have governed by executive order for about 25 years, Trump will still feel he has the constitutional authority to pursue his goals abroad.

• Adams says Iran is treating the midterm result as regime change in Washington, after Trump had promised regime change in Tehran earlier in the year.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Global News Podcast (2026-11-05). Read the whole episode summary →

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