A US ground operation against Iran later this year cannot be ruled out, Russian International Affairs Council Vice President Mikhail Margelov said in an interview with TASS. "[US President Donald] Trump will have a free hand after the midterm elections, while he and the Republic Party are prepared for relatively weak results. "Trump will make decisions depending on how much Republicans lose, whether it is only the House or the Senate," he added. "What’s crucial for him is domestic gasoline prices in the US." "Time will tell what happens after the November vote but I would not rule out a ground operation in the wake of the midterm congressional elections.