Gulf on edge as US weighs massive Iran strikes after midterm elections

WASHINGTON, Oct 28 : The United States has warned several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible “short, intense military campaign” against Iran following the Nov. 3 midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing people briefed on the discussions.

The reported warnings, conveyed through diplomatic and military channels, are among the latest indications that Washington and Israel could be preparing another round of heavy military operations aimed at weakening Iran and forcing Tehran back to negotiations.

According to the newspaper, the US military is moving a Patriot missile defense system from Texas to the Middle East and relocating troops from bases considered vulnerable to potential Iranian attacks. US forces are also restocking munitions and preparing bombers and fighter jets for possible strikes, the report said, citing officials.

An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to join approximately 20 US warships already in the region next month, the newspaper reported.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on launching another attack but is leaning toward a “large postelection attack” that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities, according to people familiar with his thinking cited by the newspaper.

The White House declined to comment on what it described as “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist.”

“President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” the White House said.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump made a brief reference to Iran, saying, “You’ll see Iran in a couple of weeks, if you don’t mind.”

“We obliterated Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity with Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury and defeated them militarily, financially and otherwise. And it will all end very soon,” Trump said.

“It could be over whenever I wanted it to be over,” he added.

Trump had previously said he would not attack Iran before the midterm elections, making the period after the Nov. 3 vote a potential turning point in the conflict, according to the report.

The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and energy shipments.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in June to pave the way for a final peace agreement. However, the process collapsed amid disagreements, including over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest reported military preparations come amid continued uncertainty over whether Washington will pursue renewed military action or seek to pressure Tehran into negotiations. The Wall Street Journal report did not establish that Trump had authorised a new attack.