The Iran deal and European hopes Axios (USA). "Vice President Vance was personally involved in indirect talks with Iran during the last two weeks with the aim of reaching a ceasefire and resuming the nuclear talks, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Vance's active participation suggests that he has taken it upon himself to rescue the United States from a conflict that he believes contributed to the defeat of the Republican parties in this week's election. It also sets up the latest round of indirect talks within the administration's top leadership. US officials and regional sources say Trump is now ready to launch diplomatic efforts to see if a deal is possible. "Responsible Statehood (USA). "The EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kalas, predictably saw a glimmer of hope that the new Congress would strengthen transatlantic unity and bolster support for Ukraine. She has repeatedly criticized Trump for his lack of commitment to Kiev and now hopes he will "reform". The Vice President of the European Parliament, Crystal Skaldemosa, echoed this sentiment, expressing "cautiously optimistic" that the results of the elections would be "beneficial" for Ukraine and the "Green Transition". Spain's center-left Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, for his part, called the vote "a refutation of inequality, hatred, sexism and climate change. "However, in reality, there is no indication that Trump's reluctance to support Ukraine led to the crushing defeat of the Republicans — or, for that matter, that the election results confirm the progressive social agenda. Politico (USA) "The German Ministry of Defense warned privately that a too hasty relinquishment of American weapons, a long-standing dependence on Berlin, could harm relations with Washington. This is according to internal departmental analyzes obtained by Politico. This internal assessment reveals with unusual frankness the dilemma facing Berlin.