Washington urges Gulf states to prepare for intense campaign against Iran

The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States asked several Arab Gulf states to prepare for a short, intense military campaign against Iran after the midterm elections on November 3.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States told several Arab Gulf states to prepare for a “short, intense military campaign” against Iran after the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, citing people familiar with the communications.

The newspaper said the messages were conveyed through diplomatic and military channels. The US military is moving a Patriot air defense system from Texas to the region, withdrawing troops from vulnerable bases and replenishing its ammunition stocks.

US B-2 bomber at Diego Garcia base (archive)

According to the report, President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision but is leaning toward a “major attack after the elections” that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. An additional carrier strike group and a Marine unit are expected to join about 20 US warships in the Middle East next month.

The White House declined to comment on “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist,” while emphasizing that Trump is keeping all options on the table to ensure that Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon. Trump said at an election rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday: “You will see Iran within two weeks.”

If it occurs, the campaign would mark a new round of fighting, after the United States and Israel waged war on Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks in the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.