US Told Gulf States to Brace for Possible Military Action Against Iran After Midterms

The US has told Gulf states to prepare for the possibility of military action against Iran after the midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reported on October 27.

Washington recently used diplomatic and military channels to tell some Gulf countries that a short, intense military campaign could begin after the Nov. 3 midterms, the newspaper said. The report added to speculation that the US and Israel are preparing to resume large-scale airstrikes on Iran.

The US military is also stepping up its readiness posture in the Middle East. It has deployed additional Patriot air-defense systems from Texas and moved troops from bases vulnerable to attack. It is also replenishing munitions stockpiles and preparing bomber and fighter sorties. An additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit could also be deployed next month.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to launch an attack, according to the report. He is weighing a large-scale air campaign after the midterms targeting Iran's key infrastructure and nuclear facilities. The White House declined to discuss specific military plans, but said all options remain on the table to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The US and Israel inflicted significant damage on Iran's nuclear facilities in earlier operations, but it remains unclear whether Iran's nuclear and missile development capabilities have been fully eliminated. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it has not confirmed efforts to restore the damaged nuclear sites. Restricted access has also prevented the agency from verifying whether nuclear material has been diverted.

Iran warned that it would retaliate forcefully against economic and civilian facilities across the Middle East if further attacks occur. While Iran still retains a sizable missile arsenal, countries in the region are continuing mediation efforts to avert a military clash. Those efforts have yet to produce a clear breakthrough.