US Midterm Results 2026: Poll Closing Times in Pakistan Time and When We Will Know the Winner

Americans vote in the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, and for readers in Pakistan the results will arrive on Wednesday morning, November 4. The first polls close at 4am Pakistan time, the biggest wave of states closes at 6am, and the last polls in Alaska close at 11am. But with record early voting and several razor-close Senate races, some results could take days. Here is a complete guide to poll closing times in Pakistan time, which races to watch, and when we will know who controls Congress.

Election Day 2026: Key Facts

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
• First polls close: 6pm Eastern time, which is 4am Wednesday in Pakistan
• Biggest wave: 8pm Eastern, which is 6am in Pakistan, when around 20 states close
• Last polls close: 1am Eastern in parts of Alaska, which is 11am in Pakistan
• What is at stake: all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships
• Expect delays: Votebeat says it is "very possible, even likely" that some key results will not be known by the morning after Election Day

Poll Closing Times in Pakistan Time (PKT)

US clocks move back an hour on November 1, so on Election Day Pakistan is 10 hours ahead of US Eastern time. Several states span two time zones, so some polling places close an hour later than the main time shown.

Pakistan time (Wed, Nov 4)	States closing	Key races to watch
4:00 AM 6pm ET	Indiana, Kentucky (most of each state)	First early returns of the night
5:00 AM 7pm ET	Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, most of Florida	Georgia Senate: Ossoff (D) vs Collins (R)
5:30 AM 7:30pm ET	North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia	NC Senate: Cooper (D) vs Whatley (R); Ohio Senate: Brown (D) vs Husted (R)
6:00 AM 8pm ET	Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, most of Michigan, Texas and Kansas, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts and more	Maine: Collins (R) vs Jackson (D); Michigan: Rogers (R) vs El-Sayed (D); Texas: Paxton (R) vs Talarico (D); NH: Sununu (R) vs Pappas (D); Kansas: Marshall (R) vs Hamilton (D)
6:30 AM 8:30pm ET	Arkansas
7:00 AM 9pm ET	Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Arizona, Colorado and more	Iowa: Hinson (R) vs Turek (D); Nebraska: Ricketts (R) vs Osborn (Ind)
8:00 AM 10pm ET	Nevada, Utah, Montana
9:00 AM 11pm ET	California, Washington, most of Oregon	Many close House races; California counts slowly
11:00 AM 1am ET	Alaska (last polls)	Alaska Senate: Sullivan (R) vs Peltola (D)

Times based on 270toWin's 2026 poll closing schedule. In states split across time zones, the listed time is when most polls close.

When Will We Know Who Controls Congress?

It could be clear on Wednesday morning in Pakistan, or it could take several days. It depends on how close the races are and how fast each state counts:

• Fast counters: states like Florida usually report most of their votes within hours of polls closing.
• Slow counters: states with lots of mail-in ballots, such as California, take longer because every mail ballot's signature must be checked and the ballot removed from its envelope. In 2024, California still had a large share of votes uncounted by midday the day after the election.
• Big turnout: Votebeat expects more than 100 million ballots, and early voting has broken records in several states, including Texas and Georgia, according to local reports.
• Late ballots: overseas and provisional ballots are counted later, and no result is official until it is certified, usually weeks after Election Day.

Races That Could Be Slow to Call

• Georgia: if no Senate candidate wins more than 50%, the race goes to a runoff on December 1.
• Maine and Alaska: both use ranked-choice voting, so if no candidate wins a majority, counting the next preferences can take days.
• Alaska: a legal dispute over a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot could also delay the result.
• California and the West: many close House races are in states that count slowly, which could delay a final verdict on the House.

What Each Party Needs to Win

Republicans currently hold the House 218 to 214 and the Senate 53 to 47. Democrats need a net gain of about three House seats and four Senate seats to take control. Polls show Democrats ahead by around 8 to 9 points on the generic ballot, but several Senate races are within the margin of error. Read our full preview: US Midterms 2026: Can Trump Keep Congress?

Why does it matter beyond America? Trump has said he will decide on new strikes against Iran or a deal after the vote. Read: Iran War Today and Trump Cancels Rallies Days Before the Midterms.

How to Follow the Results from Pakistan

1. 4am to 6am PKT: watch Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio for early signs of how the night is going.
2. 6am to 7am PKT: the biggest batch of results, including Maine, Michigan, Texas and Pennsylvania.
3. Morning in Pakistan: Iowa, Nebraska and the western states report. Control of the Senate may become clear.
4. Afternoon and beyond: close House races in California and any ranked-choice counts in Maine and Alaska.

We will update War Signals Insight with the latest results throughout Wednesday, November 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do US polls close in Pakistan?

The first US polls close at 4am Pakistan time on Wednesday, November 4. Most states close between 5am and 9am, and the last polls in Alaska close at 11am.

When will the 2026 midterm results be known?

Some races will be called within hours, but close Senate and House races could take days. Votebeat says it is likely that some key results will not be known by the morning after Election Day.

What time difference is there between Pakistan and the US East Coast on Election Day?

After US clocks change on November 1, Pakistan is 10 hours ahead of US Eastern time.

Which states count votes slowly?

States with many mail-in ballots, such as California, count more slowly because each mail ballot must be verified. Maine and Alaska use ranked-choice voting, which can add days if no candidate wins a majority.

What happens if the Georgia Senate race is close?

If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, Georgia holds a runoff election on December 1.

Last updated: October 31, 2026. This page will be updated with live results on election night.

Sources

• 270toWin – 2026 poll closing times
• Votebeat – When to expect midterm election results
• Al Jazeera – US midterms 2026 in maps and charts
• Al Jazeera – US midterms: what the polls say

Middle East War Today: Iran, the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, 10 Things to Know

The Middle East is on edge as the US–Iran war enters its ninth month and the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis spreads to Riyadh and the edges of Mecca. With the US midterm elections just days away, Washington is weighing new strikes on Iran while mediators from Qatar and Pakistan push for a deal. Here are the 10 most important things to know about the Middle East war today, October 31, 2026.

Iran: Strikes or a Deal After November 3?

1. Trump says the war will be "wrapped up soon"

President Donald Trump says the war on Iran will "get wrapped up soon" and that any deal must include guarantees that Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon. Earlier this week he said the war would end "whenever I want it to end".

2. The Pentagon is preparing strike options

At the same time, Fox News reports that the Pentagon is presenting Trump with strike options against Iran for after the November 3 midterms, and the AP says US officials have warned allies in the region to prepare for possible strikes that could be brief but intense. The US has not struck Iran since early September.

3. Iran warns of an "earth-shattering blow"

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of an "earth-shattering blow" if Iran is attacked again. In Tehran, lawmakers are pushing a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, according to Iran International.

● Mixed signals before Nov 3

Donald Trump

“It will get wrapped up soon”

But the Pentagon is preparing strike options for after the midterms.

Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi

“An earth-shattering blow”

His warning if Iran is attacked again.

4. Qatar and Pakistan keep talks alive

Iran rejected an earlier Qatari draft deal as "unacceptable" and says it will not compromise on its nuclear programme. Qatari mediators have since returned to Tehran with a revised version, and CBS has reported signs of progress. Iran's conditions include lifting the US naval blockade, easing sanctions and access to frozen assets.

Pakistan remains a key go-between. Its military is cautiously optimistic about the mediation, according to Iran International, and army chief Asim Munir has visited Tehran twice this month. Pakistan brokered the April ceasefire and hosted the talks that produced the June Islamabad Memorandum.

Strait of Hormuz and Oil

5. Tankers are burning in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards say four oil tankers caught fire and exploded on what they call "unauthorised routes". A Panama-flagged tanker, the Louise 1, was hit by limpet mines attached by a small boat, the first successful attack of its kind since the war began, according to Fox News. These claims have not all been independently verified.

6. Oil prices keep climbing

Brent crude has risen to $117.62 a barrel and US crude to $113.58, heading for a fourth straight monthly gain. For import-dependent countries such as Pakistan, higher oil prices feed straight into fuel and electricity bills.

$117.62

Brent crude

4th straight monthly rise

$113.58

US crude (WTI)

Up about 15% in October

4

tankers on fire

IRGC claim, Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia and the Houthis

7. Missiles fired at Riyadh and a drone near Mecca

The Saudi-led coalition says it shot down two ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh and a Houthi drone heading for the Mecca region. The Houthis deny targeting Mecca or Medina and call the claims "fabrications", saying their attacks focus on Saudi energy and military sites.

8. Houthis claim six attacks on Saudi oil and airports

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed six missile and drone attacks on the Ras Tanura, Abqaiq and Rabigh oil facilities, airports in Riyadh and Dammam, and a military base in Najran. The Houthis say 27 people were killed in Saudi airstrikes on areas they control. Neither side's claims have been independently verified.

9. Fierce battles near Aden and a siege in Taiz

Inside Yemen, Houthi forces are attacking government positions in Lahj province, about 40 to 50 miles from Aden. The city of Taiz has been under siege since early October, cutting off more than 800,000 people, and the Houthis are holding 71 UN staff members.

● Saudi–Houthi war in numbers

12

killed at Riyadh airport

Oct 10 strike, per Saudi officials

27

killed in Saudi airstrikes

Houthi figure, unverified

800K+

cut off in Taiz

Under siege since early October

71

UN staff held

UN says aid is “untenable”

10. Are Russian satellites helping the Houthis?

A Geneva-based private firm says Russian military satellites observed Saudi target areas before and after 40 Houthi attacks between July and October. Its founder says the link "requires additional corroboration", and Russia has not commented.

What to Watch Next

• November 3: the US midterm elections, after which Trump is expected to decide between new strikes and a deal with Iran.
• Iran's answer: Tehran's response to the latest Qatari draft and to Vice President JD Vance's offer of talks.
• The Gulf: more attacks on shipping in Hormuz and on Saudi oil sites could push oil prices even higher.
• Yemen: whether Houthi forces can break through toward Aden.

Read the full stories: Iran War Today · Saudi-Houthi War Today · US–Iran War Timeline · US Midterms 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening in the Middle East today?

The US–Iran war is in its ninth month, with Trump weighing strikes or a deal after the November 3 midterms, while Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis trade missile, drone and air strikes.

Will the US attack Iran again?

It is possible. The Pentagon is preparing strike options for after November 3, but Trump says the war will end soon and talks through Qatar and Pakistan are continuing.

Did the Houthis attack Mecca?

Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a Houthi drone heading toward the Mecca region. The Houthis deny targeting Mecca or Medina.

Why are oil prices so high?

Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade of Iranian ports and Houthi strikes on Saudi oil sites have disrupted supply. Brent crude is about $117 a barrel.

What role is Pakistan playing?

Pakistan is a key mediator between the US and Iran. It brokered the April ceasefire, hosted the talks behind the June Islamabad Memorandum, and its army chief has visited Tehran twice this month.

This roundup is updated as events develop. Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Sources

• Al Jazeera – Iran war live
• Iran International – Live updates
• Fox News – Oil prices and Hormuz
• Al Jazeera – Drone toward Mecca
• Gulf News – Houthi attack claims
• Jerusalem Post – Battles near Aden and Taiz
• Al Jazeera – Russian satellites report

Saudi-Houthi War Today: Missiles on Riyadh, Drone Near Mecca and Fierce Battles Near Aden

The war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels is escalating fast. In the past 48 hours, Saudi air defences say they shot down ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and a drone heading for the Mecca region, the Houthis claimed six attacks on Saudi oil refineries and airports, and fierce battles broke out in the mountains near Aden. Here is the latest Saudi-Houthi war news today, explained.

Saudi-Houthi War Today: Key Points

• Riyadh: the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted two ballistic missiles fired at the Saudi capital on Thursday, plus another aimed at the Eastern Province
• Mecca: the coalition says it destroyed a Houthi drone heading toward the Mecca region on Friday. The Houthis deny it
• Houthi claims: six missile and drone attacks on Saudi refineries, Aramco sites, airports and a military base
• Saudi strikes: the Houthis say 27 people were killed in Saudi airstrikes on areas they control
• Ground war: heavy fighting in Lahj province, about 40 to 50 miles from Aden, while the city of Taiz remains under siege
• New report: a private intelligence firm says Russian satellites watched Saudi targets before and after Houthi attacks

Missiles on Riyadh and a Drone Near Mecca

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone headed toward the Mecca region on Friday morning, along with a missile aimed at western Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, the coalition said it shot down a ballistic missile fired toward the Eastern Province and two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh. The coalition also said it intercepted a drone over the Medina governorate.

The Houthis strongly denied targeting Islam's holy cities. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group "has not carried out any operation directed towards the Saudi interior" in the Medina area and called the Saudi accusations "fabrications". The group says its attacks focus on Saudi energy and military sites.

Houthis Claim Six Attacks on Saudi Oil and Airports

In a televised statement on al-Masirah TV, Saree said the Houthis carried out six operations in response to Saudi airstrikes on Yemen:

• Oil facilities: ballistic missiles fired at the Ras Tanura refinery and Aramco facilities in Abqaiq in the Eastern Province, and the Rabigh refinery on the Red Sea coast
• Airports: two missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a drone attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam
• Military: a strike on what the Houthis called a Saudi command centre in Najran

These claims have not been independently verified. Earlier this month, Saudi officials said a strike on King Khalid airport on October 10 killed 12 people and injured around 300, forcing the airport to close temporarily. An October 21 attack on King Fahd airport in Dammam killed two people.

Fierce Battles Near Aden and the Siege of Taiz

On the ground in Yemen, the Houthis are attacking government positions in the Al-Maqatirah district of Lahj province, described as the northern gateway to Lahj, roughly 40 to 50 miles from the southern port city of Aden. Local media reported that "dozens" of fighters on both sides were killed or wounded on Friday.

• Taiz: the Houthis have besieged the city since early October after seizing the road linking it to Aden. More than 800,000 people are cut off from essential supplies.
• Red Sea coast: in September the Houthis took full control of Yemen's Red Sea coast, including Mocha, reaching the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
• UN warning: the Houthis are holding 71 UN staff members. A UN spokesperson said aid delivery in Houthi-controlled areas is "untenable at this time".
• Counteroffensive: the Saudi-backed government launched its "Operation Yemen Dawn" counteroffensive this month, according to Al Jazeera.

Are the Houthis Using Russian Satellites?

A Geneva-based private firm, AURORAH GeoSignal Intelligence, reviewed 40 missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia between July 1 and October 19. It says Russian military satellites observed the target areas before and after each attack. Its founder, Nawaf Obaid, cautioned that linking satellite data to individual launches "requires additional corroboration", and Russia has not commented. Officials quoted by the AP also say the Houthis have benefited from Russian intelligence and Chinese capabilities.

How Is This Linked to the Iran War?

The Houthis receive backing, training and weapons from Iran, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones, although Tehran officially denies supplying them. The fighting is part of the wider regional war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Read our full US–Iran war timeline and today's Iran war update.

A UN-backed truce that had stopped cross-border attacks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia since 2022 has now collapsed. Fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government resumed in July and escalated sharply in September.

What Happens Next?

1. More strikes on Saudi energy: the Houthis have repeatedly targeted refineries, pipelines and airports, keeping oil markets on edge.
2. The battle for Aden: if Houthi forces break through in Lahj, the government's southern stronghold could come under direct threat.
3. A humanitarian crisis: with Taiz under siege and UN aid operations halted, conditions for civilians are getting worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Houthis attack Mecca?

The Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a Houthi drone heading toward the Mecca region on October 30. The Houthis deny targeting Mecca or Medina and call the claim fabricated.

Why are Saudi Arabia and the Houthis fighting?

The Iran-backed Houthis control much of northern Yemen and are fighting Yemen's Saudi-backed government. A 2022 truce has collapsed, and cross-border attacks resumed amid the wider regional war involving Iran.

What did the Houthis attack in Saudi Arabia?

The Houthis claim attacks on the Ras Tanura, Abqaiq and Rabigh oil facilities, airports in Riyadh and Dammam, and a military base in Najran. These claims are not independently verified.

How many people were killed at Riyadh airport?

Saudi officials said a strike on King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed 12 people and injured around 300.

What is happening in Taiz?

The Houthis have besieged Taiz since early October, cutting off more than 800,000 people from essential supplies.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Sources

• Al Jazeera – Saudi Arabia reports interception of Houthi drone targeting Mecca
• Al Jazeera – Are Houthis using Russian satellites?
• Gulf News – Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil, aviation, military targets
• Jerusalem Post – Fierce battles near Aden and Taiz
• Business Standard – Houthis deny Medina drone attack

Iran War Today: Trump Says It Will End Soon as Iran Warns of an Earth-Shattering Blow

The US–Iran war is sending mixed signals just three days before the US midterm elections. President Donald Trump says the eight-month conflict will be "wrapped up soon", while the Pentagon prepares strike options for after the November 3 vote. Iran's foreign minister has warned of an "earth-shattering blow" if Iran is attacked again, oil tankers are burning in the Strait of Hormuz, and mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are racing to keep talks alive. Here is the latest Iran war news today, explained.

Iran War Today: Key Points

• Trump: says the war will be "wrapped up soon" and stresses the need for guarantees against an Iranian nuclear weapon
• Pentagon: is presenting Trump with strike options against Iran for after the November 3 midterms, according to Fox News
• Iran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns of an "earth-shattering blow" if Iran is attacked again
• Talks: Qatari mediators were in Tehran with a revised draft deal. Iran rejected an earlier version as "unacceptable"
• Strait of Hormuz: Iran's Revolutionary Guards say four oil tankers caught fire and exploded on "unauthorised routes"
• Oil: Brent crude rose to $117.62 a barrel, heading for a fourth straight monthly gain

Trump: The War Will Be "Wrapped Up Soon"

Speaking days before the midterms, Trump said the war on Iran will "get wrapped up soon" and stressed that any deal must include guarantees that Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon. Earlier this week he said the war would end "whenever I want it to end".

At the same time, Fox News reports that the Pentagon is presenting Trump with strike options against Iran for after the November 3 vote, and Trump has hinted he may resume bombing once the election is over. The AP has reported that US officials warned allies in the region to prepare for possible strikes that could be brief but intense. The US has not struck Iran since early September.

Iran Warns of an "Earth-Shattering Blow"

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of an "earth-shattering blow" if Iran is attacked again. Earlier this week he also warned of a "devastating impact" on international markets from any new military action in the Gulf.

Inside Iran, the mood is hardening. Lawmakers Mahmoud Nabavian and Alireza Salimi have called for Iran to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and Salimi said a withdrawal bill has been drafted and is before parliament, according to Iran International.

Peace Talks: Qatar and Pakistan Keep Diplomacy Alive

• Qatar: Qatari mediators presented Iran with a draft deal last Sunday. A senior Iranian official called it "unacceptable" and said Tehran will show no flexibility on the nuclear issue. Mediators have since returned to Tehran with revisions, and CBS reported signs of progress.
• Iran's conditions: lifting the US naval blockade, easing sanctions and access to frozen assets.
• The Vance letter: Vice President JD Vance sent a letter through Qatar to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei proposing early talks, possibly in Qatar or Turkey.
• Pakistan: Pakistan's military is cautiously optimistic about US-Iran mediation, according to Iran International. Army chief Asim Munir has visited Tehran twice this month. The military also warned of unnamed "spoilers" trying to derail the process.

Pakistan has played a central role throughout the war. It brokered the April ceasefire and hosted the talks that produced the June Islamabad Memorandum. Read the full background in our US–Iran war timeline.

Strait of Hormuz: Tankers on Fire

• Iran's Revolutionary Guards said four oil tankers caught fire and exploded while travelling along what they called "unauthorised routes".
• A Panama-flagged tanker, the Louise 1, caught fire after a small boat attached two limpet mines to its hull, according to Fox News. No injuries were reported and nobody has claimed responsibility. It was the first successful limpet mine attack in the strait since the war began in February.
• The IRGC navy also said a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil was burning at the entrance to the strait. Iran claimed it destroyed an American sea drone, which US Central Command denied. Neither claim could be independently verified.

Oil Prices Climb Again

Brent crude rose to $117.62 a barrel and US crude (WTI) to $113.58, according to Fox News. Both are on track for a fourth straight monthly rise, with Brent up about 14% in October. One analyst said the market is "getting increasingly spooked" ahead of the midterms. ExxonMobil and Chevron reported sharply higher quarterly profits, which they linked to war-driven oil prices. For import-dependent countries like Pakistan, higher oil prices feed directly into fuel and electricity bills.

Pentagon Leak Case

Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the former senior Pentagon strategist fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reportedly admitted to leaking classified information on US Iran and Ukraine policy to two reporters. The case has been referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.

What Happens Next?

1. November 3: Americans vote in the midterm elections. Trump has said he will decide on Iran after the vote.
2. Iran's answer: a US official told CBS that Iran's response to the latest outreach was expected around this weekend.
3. Two paths: a deal built on the Qatari draft and earlier Islamabad framework, or a new round of US strikes followed by Iranian retaliation on shipping and Gulf energy sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Trump say about the Iran war today?

Trump said the war on Iran will be "wrapped up soon" and that any deal must guarantee Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.

Will the US strike Iran after the midterms?

It is possible. The Pentagon is preparing strike options for after November 3, but Trump has not announced a decision and talks are continuing.

What did Iran's foreign minister warn?

Abbas Araghchi warned of an "earth-shattering blow" if Iran is attacked again.

What is happening in the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran's Revolutionary Guards say four tankers caught fire and exploded on unauthorised routes, and a tanker called Louise 1 was hit by limpet mines. Shipping remains heavily disrupted.

What is the oil price today?

Brent crude was about $117.62 a barrel and WTI about $113.58, according to Fox News.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Sources

• Al Jazeera – Iran war live, October 31
• Iran International – Live updates
• Fox News – US-Iran war, oil prices and Hormuz
• Middle East Eye – Iran rejects Qatar proposal
• CBS News – Iran war live updates

Russia-Ukraine War Latest: Oleshky Truce, Starlink Row and What Comes Next

More than four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war has entered a strange new phase: a rare US-brokered truce around the occupied town of Oleshky, a public fight between Kyiv and Elon Musk over Starlink, and some of the biggest drone attacks of the conflict on both sides. Here is the latest Russia-Ukraine war news explained in simple words: what is happening now, why it matters and what could come next.

Russia-Ukraine War: Key Facts at a Glance

• Oleshky truce: a six-day, US-brokered local ceasefire around the Russian-held town of Oleshky has been in place since Tuesday, October 27
• Aid convoy: food and medicine entered Oleshky on Friday, October 30, and evacuation buses are waiting for residents
• Starlink row: Elon Musk says SpaceX restricted Ukraine's Starlink to stop "misuse", while Kyiv denies breaking any rules. Service is now restored
• Drone war: Moscow's mayor says more than 850 drones were launched at the Russian capital overnight. Russia hit Kyiv, Kharkiv and energy sites again
• Energy ceasefire: announced by Donald Trump on October 11, but Ukraine says Russia kept attacking its power grid
• Peace talks: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are involved, and Trump has put new Russia sanctions on hold

The Oleshky Truce: A Rare Pause in the Fighting

Oleshky is a town in Ukraine's southern Kherson region that Russian forces captured soon after the February 2022 invasion. It once had about 24,000 residents. Today, up to 2,000 people remain, with no electricity, heating or running water, and food and medicine running out.

A six-day local ceasefire covering Oleshky and its surroundings has held since Tuesday. The White House credits First Lady Melania Trump with mediating the deal, while the Vatican says Pope Leo XIV helped through phone calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

• Russia and Ukraine both said demining around the town was complete. Russia's human rights ombudsman, Yana Lantratova, said two people were killed during the demining work.
• An aid convoy carrying food and medical supplies entered the town on Friday, according to Russia's Izvestia newspaper.
• Lantratova said 25 buses with at least 750 seats were ready to evacuate residents.
• Ukraine's ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said remaining residents could leave safely and stressed the importance of keeping the ceasefire in place. The two ombudsmen met in Oleshky.

It is one of the very few times both sides have agreed to stop fighting in a specific area for humanitarian reasons.

Elon Musk, Starlink and Ukraine: What Happened?

Searches for "Elon Musk Starlink Ukraine limits" jumped on Google this month after Ukraine's military lost full access to the satellite internet it relies on for drones and front-line communications.

• October 14: Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions on SpaceX satellite services were disrupting drone operations, forcing several missions to be cancelled. Both Starlink and Starshield, a military-grade service supplied through US government contracts, were affected.
• October 15: Reuters, citing officials, reported that the order came from inside the White House. A senior US official denied that President Trump was involved.
• Musk's version: Musk said Ukraine's military had breached Starlink's terms of service and that SpaceX had closed off its use for offensive drone strikes. He also said the US government controls changes to Starshield.
• Ukraine's answer: defence technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said offensive use was "physically impossible" because of speed limits, and that Starlink does not work over Russian territory.
• October 24: Ukraine's Defence Ministry said Starlink and Starshield were fully restored and stable.

Who ordered the slowdown has still not been made clear publicly. The episode shows how much Ukraine's army depends on one private company, a risk experts say is hard to fix because Starlink is difficult to replace.

The Drone War Escalates

Both armies are now fighting a war of drones on a scale never seen before:

• October 19: Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia in one night. Russia's Defence Ministry said it neutralised 1,015 over 15 regions. An oil terminal in St Petersburg was set on fire and at least one person was killed.
• This week: Moscow's mayor said most of more than 850 drones launched toward the Russian capital were shot down overnight.
• Russia's attacks: Zelenskyy said Russia used nearly 2,700 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs and 66 missiles in a single week. On Friday, R
  
  ussia hit Kyiv, Kharkiv and an industrial site near Kremenchuk, and said it targeted energy infrastructure around Kyiv and port facilities in the Odesa region.

What Happened to the "Energy Ceasefire"?

On October 11, Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, but gave no details. Zelenskyy later told the Financial Times he was finished with the arrangement. He said Ukraine had held off on striking Russian energy facilities, while Russia attacked Ukraine's energy, oil and gas sector 76 times in the week after the announcement. With winter coming, attacks on power plants and the grid are expected to remain a central part of the war.

Peace Talks: Where Do Things Stand?

• Negotiating teams held talks in Miami on October 9, and Zelenskyy has discussed the next diplomatic steps with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
• Trump has put new Russia sanctions on hold, saying he did not want to push Moscow away from negotiations. He also criticised Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil sites and said Zelenskyy "doesn't want to end this war".
• Zelenskyy warned that siding with Moscow would be a "historic mistake" for Washington. He said US-Ukraine intelligence sharing had resumed after a pause, but that Ukraine had waited nearly a month for US approval of Patriot and NASAMS air defence supplies.

The US is also deeply involved in the US–Iran war, and Americans vote in the midterm elections on November 3, both of which could shape how much attention and support Washington gives Ukraine in the months ahead.

What Comes Next?

1. Oleshky as a model: if the six-day truce and evacuations go smoothly, it could encourage more local humanitarian pauses.
2. A winter energy war: both sides are hitting power and fuel infrastructure, which could mean blackouts for millions as temperatures drop.
3. Diplomacy after November 3: with US envoys involved and sanctions paused, the next round of talks will be closely watched after the US midterms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening in Oleshky?

A six-day, US-brokered local ceasefire is in place around the Russian-held town of Oleshky in Kherson region, allowing an aid convoy in and residents to evacuate. Up to 2,000 people remain there without power, heat or water.

Did Elon Musk limit Starlink in Ukraine?

Musk said SpaceX restricted Ukraine's Starlink to stop what he called misuse for offensive drone strikes. Ukraine denies breaking the rules. Ukraine's Defence Ministry said service was fully restored on October 24.

Is there a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine?

Not a full one. There is a temporary local truce around Oleshky. An "energy ceasefire" announced by Trump on October 11 has not held, according to Ukraine.

How long has the Russia-Ukraine war lasted?

Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, so the war has now lasted more than four and a half years.

Are there peace talks between Russia and Ukraine?

Diplomacy is continuing. Negotiating teams held talks in Miami on October 9, and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are involved, but no agreement to end the war has been reached.

This story will be updated as the situation develops. Last updated: October 30, 2026.

Sources

• Al Jazeera – Aid convoy enters besieged Ukrainian town Oleshky
• TIME – Ukraine's satellite disruption exposes a central risk of modern warfare
• Al Jazeera – Ukraine launches over 1,000 drones at Russia
• Washington Post – Musk says SpaceX was behind Starlink restrictions

Trump Cancels Rallies in Kansas and Iowa Days Before the Midterms: What It Means

Just four days before the November 3 midterm elections, President Donald Trump has cancelled his weekend rallies in Kansas and Iowa, two states where Republicans are fighting to hold on to Senate seats. The Republican National Committee says he will run a "72-hour sprint" of telephone rallies instead, but the sudden change has sparked questions about his health, his party's strategy and what comes next, including a possible new decision on Iran right after Election Day. Here's everything we know.

Trump Cancels Rallies: Key Facts at a Glance

• What was cancelled: a Saturday rally in Salina, Kansas and a Sunday rally in Dubuque, Iowa
• Announced: Thursday, October 29, 2026
• What replaces them: a "72-hour sprint" of tele-rallies (phone rallies) in nearly 20 states, according to the RNC
• Still on: an in-person rally on Friday in Daytona Beach, Florida
• Also cancelled: a Vice President JD Vance event in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with no reason given
• Election day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Why Did Trump Cancel the Kansas and Iowa Rallies?

The official explanation is reach. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said tele-rallies would let Trump speak to far more voters across the country than in-person events in the final days. A tele-rally takes about 10 minutes of speaking, compared with the 90 minutes or more of a typical Trump rally, so he can cover many states in a single day.

Trump himself played down the change. Asked about Kansas, he told reporters: "I don't feel I have to go to Kansas." He added: "We're going to have a strong Tuesday night."

Trump had held 25 rallies in October as of Thursday, short of the more than 30 he had once said he wanted.

The Health Question

The cancellations came after reporters noticed that Trump's voice had become raspy during a busy stretch of campaigning. At a rally in Corinth, Mississippi on Monday, he joked: "God didn't make your vocal cords to do a rally every day."

When a reporter asked directly whether the Kansas cancellation was about his health, Trump rejected the idea: "You've been following me for two weeks. I feel perfect." There has been no official statement suggesting a health issue. The White House had not published his schedule for Monday, the last day of the campaign.

What Is at Stake in Kansas and Iowa?

Both states are normally safe Republican territory, which is what makes this race unusual:

• Kansas: Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton, who has led in most recent polls by 1 to 5 points. Trump's team says it feels "bullish" about Kansas.
• Iowa: the Senate race between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek is close, with the two trading small leads in the polls.

Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win the Senate. Losing either state would make that much easi

er. Read our full guide: US Midterms 2026: Can Trump Keep Congress?

Midterm Election Predictions: The Latest Polls

Poll	Result	Source
Generic ballot (national)	Democrats 51.4%, Republicans 43.2% (D+8.2)	RealClearPolling
Texas Senate	James Talarico (D) 49%, Ken Paxton (R) 43%	CNN
Michigan Senate	Abdul El-Sayed (D) 49%, Mike Rogers (R) 42%	CNN
Trump approval (Wisconsin)	37% approve, 61% disapprove	Marquette Law School

In the same Wisconsin poll, only 16% of voters said they were better off financially than a year ago, while 42% said they were worse off. Pollster Charles Franklin cautioned that polls are not perfect predictors and close races could go either way.

Other Races to Watch in the Final Days

• Alaska: a legal fight over a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot could delay the result past Election Day. Trump has called it "election fraud", the Justice Department has taken legal action, and Democrat Mary Peltola has denied the accusations.
• Georgia: Barack Obama and Kamala Harris campaigned for Senator Jon Ossoff. Obama criticised Trump's handling of the economy and the war with Iran.
• Texas: JD Vance rallied with Republican Ken Paxton in Weatherford.

The Iran Factor: What Happens After November 3?

The campaign is unfolding in the shadow of the US–Iran war, now in its ninth month. Trump says he is still weighing whether to resume major military operations against Iran or make a deal after the midterms, and the AP reports that US officials have warned allies to prepare for possible strikes that could be brief but intense.

• Iran's answer is due: a US official told CBS News that Iran's response to the latest outreach is expected by the end of the week, most likely Saturday, October 31.
• Vance's letter: Vice President Vance sent a letter through Qatari mediators to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei proposing early talks, possibly in Qatar or Turkey, according to The New York Times.
• Iran's conditions: lifting the US naval blockade, easing sanctions and access to frozen assets, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency.
• Strait of Hormuz: Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on October 29 that tankers struck mines while using what they called an "unauthorised" route.
• Pentagon shake-up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the military's top planner, who was accused of leaking classified information about the war.

The war has cost US taxpayers about $47 billion, and higher fuel prices have become a major election issue.

When Is Election Day 2026 and Where Can I Vote?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships are on the ballot. Americans who want to check whether they are registered or find their polling place can use the official US government site vote.gov, which links to every state's election office.

For readers in Pakistan: the first polls close at 6pm Eastern time on November 3, which is 4am on November 4 in Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Trump cancel his rallies?

The RNC says Trump replaced his Kansas and Iowa rallies with a "72-hour sprint" of tele-rallies to reach voters in nearly 20 states. Trump said, "I don't feel I have to go to Kansas."

Is Trump sick?

There is no official indication of a health problem. Asked directly, Trump said, "I feel perfect." His voice had sounded hoarse after weeks of daily rallies.

Which Trump rallies were cancelled?

A Saturday rally in Salina, Kansas and a Sunday rally in Dubuque, Iowa. His Friday rally in Daytona Beach, Florida was still scheduled.

Who is predicted to win the 2026 midterms?

Polls favour Democrats, who lead the generic ballot by about 8 points. But several Senate races are close, and polls can be wrong.

When is Election Day 2026?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

This story is developing and will be updated. Last updated: October 30, 2026.

Sources

• CBS News – Trump cancels Iowa and Kansas rallies in favour of telerallies
• Al Jazeera – US midterms: 4 days to go
• CBS News – Iran war live updates
• AP via OPB – US warns allies of possible Iran strikes after elections

US Midterms 2026: Can Trump Keep Congress? Polls, Key Races & What's at Stake

On November 3, Americans vote in the 2026 midterm elections, and for Donald Trump the stakes could not be higher. Every House seat and 35 Senate seats are up for grabs, Trump's approval is near a record low of about 37%, and Democrats lead the national polls by around 9 points. Here's everything you need to know: the latest polls, the key races, what the Iran war has to do with it, and what happens if Republicans lose Congress.

US Midterms 2026 at a Glance

• Election day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
• What's up for election: all 435 House seats, 35 of 100 Senate seats and 36 governorships
• House now: Republicans 218, Democrats 214 (218 needed for a majority)
• Senate now: Republicans 53, Democrats 47 (including two independents)
• Trump's approval: about 37% approve, 60% disapprove (Silver Bulletin average)
• Polls: Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot by about 9 points
• Top issue: cost of living, including gas prices, housing and healthcare

Why These Midterms Matter So Much for Trump

For the first half of Trump's second term, Republicans have controlled the White House, the House and the Senate. That has let Trump push his agenda through Congress with little resistance. The midterms could end that.

• If Democrats win the House, they can block Trump's bills, launch investigations into his administration and even begin impeachment proceedings.
• If Democrats win the Senate, they can block his judicial and Supreme Court nominees.
• If Republicans hold both, Trump keeps a free hand for the final two years of his term.

Trump's Approval Rating: Near a Historic Low

Trump heads into Election Day deeply unpopular. The Silver Bulletin polling average puts him at 37% approve and 60.2% disapprove, a net rating of about -23, close to his all-time low. Some individual polls are even worse: CNN/SSRS and Reuters/Ipsos both have him 35 points underwater.

According to the New York Times, Trump's approval going into these midterms is the second lowest of any president since 1946, behind only Harry Truman. For comparison, in 2018 Trump was about 10 points underwater, and Democrats went on to gain 41 House seats.

The biggest problem is the economy. On inflation and the cost of living, only 25% of Americans approve of Trump's performance, while 71% disapprove.

Battle for Congress: What Each Party Needs

The House

Republicans have a razor-thin majority: 218 seats to the Democrats' 214, with one independent who sits with Republicans and two vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of only about three seats to take control. Analyst Todd Belt predicts Democrats could gain around 15 seats, but Republican-led redistricting in several southern states gives the GOP an edge in some districts.

The Senate

The Senate is harder for Democrats. Republicans hold 53 seats, so Democrats must flip a net four seats to reach 51. A 50–50 tie would leave Republicans in control, because Vice President JD Vance casts the tie-breaking vote.

Senate Races to Watch

State	Race	Recent polling
Maine	Susan Collins (R) vs Troy Jackson (D)	Jackson ahead by 2–4
North Carolina	Michael Whatley (R) vs Roy Cooper (D)	Cooper ahead by 10+
Ohio	Jon Husted (R) vs Sherrod Brown (D)	Brown ahead by 1–8
Texas	Ken Paxton (R) vs James Talarico (D)	Talarico ahead by 2–6
Alaska	Dan Sullivan (R) vs Mary Peltola (D)	Peltola ahead by 2–7
Iowa	Ashley Hinson (R) vs Josh Turek (D)	Toss-up
Kansas	Roger Marshall (R) vs Adam Hamilton (D)	Hamilton ahead by 1–5
Nebraska	Pete Ricketts (R) vs Dan Osborn (Ind)	Competitive, few polls
Michigan	Mike Rogers (R) vs Abdul El-Sayed (D)	El-Sayed ahead by 1–7
Georgia	Jon Ossoff (D) vs Mike Collins (R)	Ossoff ahead by about 8
New Hampshire	John E. Sununu (R) vs Chris Pappas (D)	Pappas ahead by about 7

Polls are a snapshot, not a prediction. They have been wrong before, and close races can swing either way.

The Iran War Factor

The US–Iran war, now eight months old, hangs over the election. The Pentagon estimates it has cost American taxpayers $47.1 billion, and higher gas prices caused by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have weighed on Republican candidates.

Trump has kept his options open. Asked about new strikes on Iran after the election, he said "anything's possible," and the AP reports that US officials have warned allies to prepare for possible military action after November 3. At a rally in Texas, Trump said the war could end "in a couple of weeks."

What History Tells Us

The president's party usually loses seats in the midterms. The generic ballot at this stage has often pointed to the result:

• 2018: Democrats led by 7.6 points and gained 41 House seats.
• 2010: Republicans led by 6.9 points and gained 63 seats.
• 2022: Republicans led by 2.7 points and won the House by 9 seats.
• 2026: Democrats lead by about 9 points.

When Will We Know the Results?

The first polls close at 6pm Eastern time on November 3, which is 4am on November 4 in Pakistan. Early results will come through the night, but some close races can take days or even weeks to count. If no Senate candidate in Georgia wins a majority, there will be a runoff on December 1. The new Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the 2026 US midterm elections?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Who is expected to win the 2026 midterms?

Polls favour the Democrats, who lead the generic ballot by about 9 points and need only about three more seats to win the House. The Senate is closer: Democrats must gain four seats.

What is Trump's approval rating before the midterms?

About 37% approve and 60% disapprove according to the Silver Bulletin average, one of the lowest ratings for any president before a midterm since 1946.

What happens if Democrats win the House?

They could block Trump's legislation, investigate his administration and start impeachment proceedings.

What time will midterm results come out in Pakistan?

The first polls close at 6pm Eastern time, which is 4am Pakistan time on November 4. Results will continue through the day.

We will update this article with live results after polls close. Follow us for the latest US election news.

Sources

• Yahoo News – What the latest midterm polls say
• Al Jazeera – US midterms 2026 in maps and charts
• AP via OPB – US warns allies of possible Iran strikes after elections
• ABC News – Iran war cost estimate