Noontime News Recap: US Democrats seize Congress as Middle East and Europe tensions intensify

Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in a sweeping US midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and a historic shift in power in Washington. The party also secured a series of firsts, with new reporting pointing to a broader realignment in Congress.  🔗  🔗

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The Democratic gains widened further as James Talarico was projected to win the Texas Senate race, adding to the party’s strong showing across the country. Supporters reacted with cheers as the result strengthened the party’s grip on the midterm outcome.  🔗  🔗

In the Middle East, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said four oil tankers were destroyed after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with two of the vessels still reported missing. The incident deepens already high tensions in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping lanes.  🔗

Iranian lawmakers and the Revolutionary Guard also issued fresh threats against European countries that host US military bases, warning they could face missile strikes. The remarks raise the risk of a wider confrontation involving Europe and the United States.  🔗

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces withdrew from neighbourhoods in Hebron after a 10 day siege, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return, but leaving widespread destruction behind. Separately, Israel’s Central Elections Committee certified last week’s parliamentary election results after rejecting fraud claims, clearing the way for coalition talks.  🔗  🔗

Across Europe, the European Commission is preparing urgent Brussels talks with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, NATO and the World Bank on support for Ukraine as winter pressure grows. At the same time, a leaked draft warns the EU’s ambition to be militarily ready by 2030 is at risk despite record spending.  🔗  🔗

Elsewhere on the continent, Germany is weighing whether to withdraw as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after several European federations said they would refuse to play Russia. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has sought a one to one meeting with President Karol Nawrocki to ease tensions over the constitutional tribunal.  🔗  🔗

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended a funeral Mass in Rome for military personnel killed in a helicopter crash in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the country mourned the dead.  🔗

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