US Asks Gulf States to Prepare for Possible Strike on Iran
Washington (ANTARA) — The United States has asked several Gulf Arab states to prepare for the possibility of a short, intensive military campaign against Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
According to the report, which cited people familiar with the discussions, the message was delivered through diplomatic and military channels.
The report said the move signalled that the US and Israel were preparing a new combat operation to weaken Iran and press Tehran to return to the negotiating table.
The sources said the US military had moved Patriot missile defence systems from Texas to the region and relocated troops from bases considered vulnerable.
US forces were also replenishing ammunition and preparing bombers and fighter jets.
An additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to join about 20 US warships already in the Middle East next month.
US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, but people familiar with his thinking said he was inclined to consider a major strike after the elections that could target Iran’s infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
The White House declined to comment on “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist”.
“President Trump retains all options to ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon,” the White House said.
Speaking at a campaign event in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump said: “You’re going to see Iran in the next few weeks, if you don’t mind.”
“We have destroyed Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity through Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, and defeated them militarily, financially and in other ways. It will all be over soon,” he said.
“This could end whenever I want it to,” Trump added.
Trump had previously said the US would not attack Iran before the midterm elections. However, on 23 October he again said the US might conduct another military operation against Iran.
The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on 28 February, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes across the region and effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
In June, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding as a step towards a final peace agreement. The deal later collapsed amid disputes, including over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.