Patrick Wintour

Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica’s former vice-president and current head of UNCTAD, has emerged as the leading early candidate to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary general in 2027. She received 10 encouraging votes in a confidential Security Council straw poll, ahead of Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, while the expected Latin American regional rotation and her perceived continuity with Guterres strengthen her position. Grynspan could become the UN’s first woman and first Jewish secretary general. Her candidacy is complicated by UNCTAD’s detailed criticism of the economic effects of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories, while opposition from major powers could still produce a deadlock. The selection is expected to conclude by October, with the General Assembly electing a candidate recommended by the Security Council.

Iranian officials and media are reportedly considering a strategy of prolonging negotiations and keeping the conflict with the United States unresolved until the US midterm elections, hoping war fatigue, high oil prices and financial costs will damage Donald Trump's presidency. Tehran is divided over whether to wait for a weakened Trump or secure concessions immediately. President Masoud Pezeshkian favors negotiations and a memorandum of understanding, while hardliners seek to use control of the Strait of Hormuz to force the United States out of the region. The article argues that continued conflict could constrain Trump's freedom of action but also risks escalation if he concludes he has little left to lose. Iran's broader strategic goal remains unsettled, balancing confrontation with the United States against a desire for a more diversified foreign policy.

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian denied claims that he had repeatedly threatened to resign amid disputes with hardline factions over negotiations with the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said he remained committed to working with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and stood by efforts to reach an agreement. Khamenei’s office rejected the resignation allegations as false, while the conservative-dominated Assembly of Experts condemned hopes for a US deal as capitulation. The dispute underscores deep strategic divisions within Iran over diplomacy, the proposed shipping arrangement and the country’s future foreign policy.

US and Qatari officials report progress toward restoring a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a 2% fall in oil prices. Qatar, Pakistan and Oman are exchanging proposals, while the most difficult negotiations concern an Omani-Iranian temporary shipping route and Iran’s possible tolls on transit. Oman remains concerned that the arrangement could permanently expand Tehran’s influence over its waters, and divisions within Iran may impede a deal. Maritime tensions also continue, with a vessel reportedly struck near Oman and an Indian-flagged ship attacked in the Red Sea, an incident Yemen’s government blamed on the Iran-backed Houthis.

Donald Trump says imminent US-Iran negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz are Tehran’s “last chance” to reach a deal and prevent further US strikes, including progress toward denuclearisation. Iran denies that talks with Washington have resumed and says it is instead negotiating with Oman over a temporary shipping corridor. The proposed route is intended to restart commercial shipping and could support implementation of a June ceasefire memorandum, but disputes over sovereignty, maritime management, mine clearance and the US naval blockade remain unresolved. Regional tensions are worsening, with Saudi Arabia urging diplomacy while confronting Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Yemen, and Iranian institutions warning against trusting Washington.

Ed Miliband is presented as an enthusiastic, policy-focused foreign secretary whose priorities include rebuilding the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU, reviving the G20, addressing the climate crisis and shaping the future international order. He faces institutional problems at the Foreign Office, including the absence of a permanent secretary and staff strikes, as well as tensions between Labour’s progressive commitments and the need to preserve cooperation with Donald Trump’s administration. The article highlights challenges over aid cuts, global taxation, Ukraine, Iran and Gaza, where pressure for sanctions against Israel and recognition of alleged genocide findings must be balanced against diplomatic, legal and transatlantic considerations.

Donald Trump says the United States and Israel have an understanding on a Gaza plan involving Hamas’s complete disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, but he does not clarify which must happen first. Israel has not formally accepted the proposal and insists on genuine disarmament before withdrawal, while Hamas says it will hand over heavy weapons only alongside an Israeli withdrawal and an end to attacks. The plan has received cautious international support, but major implementation obstacles remain. Trump also threatens to intensify US attacks on Iran, while reports highlight civilian casualties, possible Pentagon reforms to reduce wartime harm, violence in the West Bank and escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon.

Iraq says it had no prior knowledge of US-Saudi strikes that killed at least 20 Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces members and insists it neither approved attacks inside Iraq nor accepts violations of its borders. Baghdad is also demanding evidence for Saudi claims that Iran-aligned groups launched drones from Iraq. The wider conflict is disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, while Saudi Arabia considers an offensive against Yemen’s Houthis. Iran claims attacks on US facilities in Kuwait, and the US says it has completed a heavy wave of strikes against Iran. Separately, Donald Trump says Hamas has agreed to disarm under a Gaza plan, but Hamas ties disarmament to Israel’s withdrawal and other implementation steps, while Israeli officials say the proposal does not meet their demands for full demilitarisation.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly concentrating forces for a possible offensive against Houthi-held al-Bayda in central Yemen while working to assemble a multinational naval coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. The moves follow Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and shipping, alongside Saudi strikes on Houthi-controlled sites. Riyadh is seeking to defend its oil-export infrastructure without widening its conflict with Iran, even as the closure of both the Red Sea route and Strait of Hormuz could severely constrain Saudi crude exports. Diplomatic efforts involving Oman and Iran remain focused on reopening Hormuz.

Iran’s escalating five-month war with the US is intensifying a series of domestic crises, including mass economic hardship, public executions, political dissent, media censorship and alleged corruption within secretive government-sponsored trusts. President Masoud Pezeshkian and reformist activists warn that inflation, unemployment, shortages and despair could erode public support for the system, while hardliners oppose negotiations and seek greater control over public debate and social spaces. Food inflation has reached 134%, overall inflation 84%, more than a million jobs have reportedly been lost, and major civilian and tourism infrastructure has been damaged. Disputes over the national broadcaster and revelations that individuals and trusts owe the state billions suggest that the war is deepening internal divisions and could expose corruption among Iran’s elite.

Donald Trump says the US will resume “very strong military action” against Iran if diplomatic efforts do not produce a rapid agreement, while Iran denies that direct negotiations are taking place. Oman and Iran are working toward an arrangement for managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, but remain divided over whether vessels should pay tolls or voluntary service fees. The US pause in attacks reportedly reflects diplomatic progress, concerns about ammunition supplies and Iranian reprisals, and military assessments that bombing had reached its limits. Shipping through the strait has fallen dramatically, while Washington has tightened restrictions on Iranian oil exports and encouraged commercial vessels to challenge Iran’s blockade.

The United States has signed peaceful nuclear cooperation and safeguards agreements with Saudi Arabia that could eventually permit the kingdom to enrich uranium. The deal, negotiated across the Trump and Biden administrations, is intended to expand US nuclear exports, create jobs and strengthen bilateral ties, but its details and monitoring provisions have not been fully released. Critics warn that weaker safeguards than those applied to Iran could enable proliferation and pressure Tehran to pursue nuclear weapons, especially while the US is fighting Iran over its enrichment program. The agreement must undergo congressional review, while Saudi Arabia has indicated it could turn to China or Russia if Washington does not meet its nuclear ambitions.

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a 30-year peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement that could allow Riyadh to enrich uranium after a joint study, with US companies such as Westinghouse potentially involved. The deal is expected to go to Congress for review and may face opposition over concerns that monitoring safeguards will be weaker than the IAEA’s additional protocol. Supporters say cooperation could diversify Saudi Arabia’s energy mix and preserve US influence, while critics warn that granting enrichment capability during the conflict over Iran’s nuclear programme could encourage proliferation and push Tehran toward developing nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia’s security relationship with nuclear-armed Pakistan and the contrasting UAE model, which excludes enrichment, add to the regional concerns.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any US attack on Iranian infrastructure, after Donald Trump threatened to destroy a bridge or power plant for every Iranian attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s military said such action would expand the war and threatened to halt Gulf oil flows and target regional energy infrastructure. The United States continued its 11th day of strikes on Iran, while Houthi forces claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, increasing risks to shipping and global energy supplies. Oil prices rose above $95 a barrel. The US also signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could permit domestic uranium enrichment, drawing scrutiny over proliferation safeguards while Washington is fighting Iran partly over its nuclear capabilities. Diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Israel and Lebanon remained under pressure, and reports described civilian casualties, regional missile attacks and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Ukraine’s newly appointed commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, said the armed forces would intensify counteroffensive operations, plan strikes behind Russian lines and expand military technology and capabilities. His appointment by Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been broadly welcomed, with supporters viewing him as a modernising commander who could challenge entrenched military practices and address manpower shortages. Zelenskyy also held talks with senior US and NATO officials on strengthening Ukraine’s air defences, including additional Patriot interceptors and expanded drone cooperation. EU ambassadors resumed efforts to approve a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, while Kaja Kallas highlighted maritime operations targeting Russia’s suspected shadow fleet. The live blog also reported political changes in Hungary and Germany, the detention of a Deutsche Welle correspondent in Turkey, record heat-related excess deaths in France, wildfires in Spain and France, and other European developments.

Abbas Araghchi recounts surviving the US-Israeli airstrike that killed Ali Khamenei and describes security failures that enabled the attack. He outlines Iran’s diplomatic attempts before hostilities resumed, including a nuclear proposal in Geneva, and says regional warnings were issued about retaliatory strikes. He notes increased Iranian missile capability, ongoing efforts to exploit US-Israel tensions, and Turkey’s role in blocking a Kurdish revolt. Araghchi stresses Iran’s readiness for conflict under “Code 110” and asserts that war is pursued only when its cost is lower than not responding.

The US says it has completed another wave of strikes on Iranian command centres, air-defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal sites, including targets around Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island. Iran reports military and civilian casualties and says it retaliated against US facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, while regional states report intercepting missiles and drones. US Central Command also says it disabled the tanker Belma in the Strait of Hormuz after it allegedly attempted to breach the US blockade. Donald Trump threatened further attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran does not return to negotiations, while Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would not honour an agreement without tangible benefits. The escalation follows the apparent collapse of a ceasefire and raises fears of a return to full-scale regional war.

Escalating conflict between the US and Iran has left the Strait of Hormuz closed and the US without a clear strategy, despite months of military action and shifting proposals. Donald Trump’s attempt to introduce a toll system for clearing the strait collapsed amid domestic and international backlash, highlighting policy confusion as Iran maintains control of the waterway and continues attacks on US bases. International bodies, including the IMO, reaffirm that navigation must remain free, while regional actors argue US policy is fundamentally flawed. With rising war costs, trapped sailors, and oil prices climbing, prospects for resolving nuclear and maritime issues outlined in the earlier memorandum appear increasingly unrealistic.

The UK Foreign Office has appointed former Middle East minister Alistair Burt as its first special envoy for British citizens detained overseas, addressing past criticism of inconsistent diplomatic support in complex detention cases. The role aims to strengthen efforts in situations involving human rights violations, arbitrary detention and due process concerns. The appointment, supported by figures including David Lammy and Alicia Kearns, comes as high‑profile cases such as those of Nazanin Zaghari‑Ratcliffe and Jagtar Singh Johal continue to draw scrutiny. Officials and advocates emphasise that Burt’s effectiveness will depend on backing from senior government leaders and a commitment to securing detainees’ release.

Yemen’s vice-president Abdullah al‑Alimi condemned Iranian flights carrying a Houthi delegation as a breach of sovereignty, alleging the aircraft transported equipment and experts for the group. The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, bombed Sana’a airport to prevent the Iranian plane from landing, prompting the delegation’s diversion to Hodeidah and missile retaliation by the Houthis, breaking a four‑year truce. Al‑Alimi argued the Houthis are weakened due to reduced Iranian support and called for restoring state authority and control of weapons. He warned that Houthi attacks on oil infrastructure are straining government finances and deterring investment. The article notes continued fragmentation among Yemeni factions, recent escalations and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for the internationally recognised government.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe condemned the rearrest of Iranian environmentalists Houman Jokar and Sepideh Kashani, calling the detentions cruel and alarming. The couple, previously held on baseless espionage charges tied to wildlife conservation work, were taken into custody again without explanation, alongside Kashani’s sister. Their lawyer confirmed the arrests, which come amid a wider crackdown that has resulted in thousands of detentions since the US-Israel war on Iran. Former prisoners and rights groups criticized the renewed targeting of non-political conservationists as another miscarriage of justice and evidence of intensified repression by Iranian authorities.

Europe is examining whether voluntary payments for navigational support could be permitted in the Strait of Hormuz, while rejecting compulsory transit tolls under international maritime law. Oman has developed a cooperative proposal based on arrangements in the Strait of Malacca and is mediating with Iran, which faces pressure to clarify whether its proposed fees and routing requirements would effectively be mandatory. The United States is demanding a public guarantee of safe passage while continuing military operations against Iranian targets, and Iran has attacked US bases and asserted its control over the waterway. Diplomats remain divided over the interpretation of a ceasefire memorandum, the reopening routes for commercial shipping and the long-term governance of the strategically vital strait.

Tensions between Iran and the US intensified following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral as Iran asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened nationalist sentiment. A US-backed attempt to establish a new southern shipping route prompted Iranian attacks, deepening disputes over the memorandum of understanding meant to guide de-escalation. Inflammatory remarks by Donald Trump and the revocation of a US sanctions waiver further strained relations. Analysts warn that military decision-makers may be overriding diplomats in Tehran, increasing the risk of a breakdown in negotiations and renewed conflict. Efforts continue to create a joint shipping notification system, but disagreements over control of the strait and Iran’s demand for security fees remain major obstacles to stability.

The ceasefire between the US and Iran collapsed after attacks on commercial vessels in the strait of Hormuz prompted new American strikes on Iranian targets, intensifying regional instability. Donald Trump warned of further military action, while Iran and Israel exchanged accusations and continued limited hostilities. Oil prices climbed sharply as tanker disruptions deepened concerns over regional energy flows. Diplomatic tensions widened, with Lebanon linking its participation in upcoming talks to Israeli withdrawals and the Arab League reporting Israeli restrictions on travel to Ramallah. Rights groups highlighted a new incident of alleged detainee abuse by Israeli forces. NATO discussions reflected divisions over broader security issues as leaders assessed the escalating conflict’s implications for regional and global stability.

A sharp escalation between the US and Iran followed Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels near the strait of Hormuz, prompting extensive US military strikes and the revocation of an oil export sanctions waiver. Iran retaliated with attacks on US sites in Bahrain and Kuwait while asserting control over shipping routes, intensifying fears that the ceasefire agreed in June is collapsing. Donald Trump issued conflicting signals, initially threatening major strikes before moderating his tone under pressure from rising oil prices and Nato allies. Disputes over control of shipping lanes, ceasefire violations, and Iran’s insistence on imposing fees for maritime security have complicated diplomatic efforts as regional tensions rise amid Ali Khamenei’s funeral events.

Qatar warned Iran it will be held fully legally responsible for drone strikes on three tankers near Oman, including a Qatari LNG vessel, amid escalating tensions over control and security of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran blamed the United States for attempting to open new shipping routes, arguing it violates a memorandum granting Tehran and Oman responsibility for managing the strait. Iran asserted its right to impose fees for maritime passage, a position opposed by Oman and western partners, and rejected proposals from France and the UK to help secure the southern route. The incident marks the first strike on a Qatari ship since the outbreak of the US–Iran war in February, prompting Qatar to condemn the attack as a serious breach of international law.

Massive funeral processions for Ali Khamenei demonstrated both the Iranian government’s ability to mobilize supporters and the existence of a sizeable, committed social base. Senior figures framed the turnout as a sign of national unity and resistance to foreign pressure, while others warned that state media and hardliners risked using the moment to justify escalation and undermine negotiations with the US. Internal fractures remain within Iran’s leadership, particularly over succession, foreign policy, and the future direction of the state, leaving the country at a pivotal and uncertain moment.

Massive crowds in Tehran gathered for the fourth day of mourning for assassinated former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, expressing grief, patriotism and demands for revenge. Attendees portrayed the procession as a show of national resilience and unity while directing anger at the United States and President Donald Trump. Many participants voiced support for retaliation, Iran’s strength and nuclear ambitions, while a few expressed dissent or private fears. The event highlighted deep divisions within Iranian society and intensified rhetoric surrounding Iran’s conflict with the US and Israel.

Millions of Iranians gathered for a multi‑day funeral procession for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed in a US‑Israel strike in February, with officials making rare public appearances and mourners calling for revenge. Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba, remained absent from public view amid security concerns. Regional tensions persisted as Lebanon condemned ongoing Israeli occupation and strikes, Gaza’s Hamas leadership agreed to transfer civil administration to a technocratic committee under a US‑backed framework, and Israel sought to block US F‑35 sales to Turkey. Additional reporting highlighted rights abuses against Palestinian detainees and concerns over Israel’s extensive battlefield targeting system.

Millions of mourners joined the funeral procession for assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, forming one of the largest public gatherings in recent years as crowds moved across Tehran. The ceremony unfolded amid heightened tensions following Khamenei’s killing by an Israeli strike at the start of the US-Iran war, with Iranian leaders presenting the mass turnout as a sign of national unity and resilience. President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed US claims that public grief was staged and argued that the conflict had reinforced regional cohesion while exposing Western hypocrisy on human rights. Security concerns surrounded the absence of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while heavy international media presence highlighted global attention on Iran’s political transition and wartime environment.

Funeral ceremonies for assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei drew massive crowds and repeated calls for revenge, including demands for the killing of former US president Donald Trump. The event highlighted political tensions following the US-Israeli strike that killed Khamenei and several family members. Senior Iranian officials attended, while new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei remained absent from public view, prompting speculation about his condition and security. Statements from Iranian officials and mourners underscored themes of resistance, retaliation and national unity, while contrasting scenes in Tehran revealed social and economic divisions. The gathering occurred under an informal ceasefire with the US, and reactions from American conservative figures further inflamed Iranian sentiment.

Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz during the funeral of Ali Khamenei, issuing warnings that prompted several ships to reverse course and reducing traffic through alternative southern routes. Western-backed efforts to clear mines and secure navigation have drawn Iranian objections, while oil prices have eased amid increased global supply. A US-Iran memorandum on restoring maritime traffic remains loosely observed as both sides reinforce military positions during a temporary ceasefire. Oman, France, and the UK continue discussions on future governance of the strait, including potential navigational fees. At Khamenei’s funeral, Iran sent pointed Qur’anic messages to visiting Gulf delegations reflecting Tehran’s diplomatic grievances and alliances.

Mass funeral ceremonies for former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei began in Tehran, drawing thousands early in the morning and expected to attract up to 30 million people over six days. The events emphasize national mourning, resistance and anger toward the US and Israel, whose airstrike killed Khamenei and several family members. Security concerns prompted officials to urge mourners to move quickly through the mosque. Symbolic displays, religious rituals and political messaging dominated the scene, with Hezbollah flags present and calls for revenge circulating among attendees. Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba, severely injured in the same strike, has not appeared publicly since his appointment by the Assembly of Experts. The government aims to use the funeral to project unity and strength amid ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.

Iran prepares for a six-day funeral for Ali Khamenei, killed in a US-Israeli strike, with millions expected to attend events designed to project national strength and resistance. Senior Iranian political, military, and judicial figures emphasized defiance toward the west, while foreign dignitaries from regional states attended. Security concerns persist amid ongoing conflict and internal strain heightened by Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence due to severe injuries. The funeral, spanning Tehran to Mashhad and including processions through Iraqi Shia cities, is intended as a display of unity despite economic hardship and political uncertainty.

Indirect US-Iran talks on unfreezing at least $6bn in Iranian assets are set to resume in Doha amid continued tension over control of the strait of Hormuz. The absence of direct contact reflects disputes over Iran’s plan to impose tolls on commercial shipping and its resistance to a proposed Lebanon ceasefire. The UN’s maritime agency has paused plans for an Oman-adjacent sea route after Iran objected and attacked two ships. Ship traffic remains far below normal, leaving thousands of seafarers stranded. Iran warns against European involvement in de‑mining while expressing cautious optimism about diplomatic progress despite recent clashes.

Iran insists on sole authority to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting an Oman‑backed southern shipping route developed with the UN after an Iranian attack on a vessel forced the plan’s abandonment. Tehran’s stance stems from viewing control of the strait as a key bargaining tool in negotiations with the US. Oman continues pushing a detailed legal framework for long‑term strait management, seeking regional and international support while balancing Iran’s objections. Diplomatic exchanges in Muscat signal Iran’s recognition of Oman’s role, and Western powers consider backing the Omani plan as an alternative to deploying a naval enforcement force.

Ambiguous language in the recent US-Iran memorandum has enabled conflicting interpretations, leading to renewed hostilities in the Gulf just days after the agreement was signed. Divergent ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon have placed Iran, Hezbollah, Israel and the Lebanese government at odds, while disagreements over control and routing in the Strait of Hormuz have reignited maritime tensions. Attempts by the International Maritime Organization and Oman to establish safe shipping corridors collapsed after an attack on a commercial vessel, underscoring how diplomatic ambiguity and strategic mistrust are driving the conflict back toward escalation.

Iran blocked a UN and Oman-backed plan to evacuate hundreds of commercial ships trapped in the strait of Hormuz, rejecting temporary shipping routes proposed by the International Maritime Organization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed the alternative lanes as unsafe, asserting mandatory coordination with its navy and maintaining leverage in negotiations over sanctions, asset relief and nuclear issues. The dispute complicates Oman’s efforts to create a long-term management system for the strait and undermines Saudi-led attempts to normalise Gulf-Iran relations. Parallel tensions in Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue operations amid discussions over a phased troop withdrawal, have hindered US-Iran talks. Diplomatic efforts have refocused on regulating the strait, with Oman seeking a lawful, voluntary fee-based system under UN maritime rules while regional states resist any tolls.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen argues that Europe must prepare for a long-term shift in US defence commitments and proposes a European-led coalition, including Ukraine, to safeguard continental security. He stresses that Ukraine’s battlefield experience and military strength make it essential to a new security architecture aimed at deterring Russia. With European powers preparing for a Nato summit focused on increased defence spending and sustained support for Kyiv, Rasmussen urges Europe to act independently of anticipated shifts in US policy under Donald Trump. He highlights growing European support for Ukrainian weapons production, calls for streamlined defence integration, and warns against premature EU negotiations with Russia, emphasising the need to negotiate from strength.

Progressive candidates aligned with New York mayor Zohran Mamdani secured major victories in several competitive Democratic primaries, including Brad Lander in NY-10, Claire Valdez in NY-7, and Darializa Chevalier in NY-13. Micah Lasher defeated Jack Schlossberg and Alex Bores in the high‑profile NY‑12 contest, while Cait Conley won in NY‑17 to challenge Republican Mike Lawler in November. In South Carolina, former navy rear admiral Nancy Lacore won the Democratic nomination, and state attorney general Alan Wilson clinched the Republican nomination for governor. The results mark a strong showing for progressive and insurgent Democratic candidates ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.