US Urges Gulf Allies to Prepare for Potential Iran Attack Post-Election

The United States has alerted some Persian Gulf nations to prepare for the possibility of a military operation against Iran following next week's midterm elections, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the newspaper stated that Washington has begun taking military preparatory steps in the Middle East. These measures include reinforcing air defense systems and relocating military personnel from facilities vulnerable to Iranian attacks. As part of this preparation, the U.S. military is transferring a Patriot air defense battery from Texas to the Middle East to bolster regional defense capabilities. Soldiers are also being moved from bases potentially within range of Iranian strikes. The report suggests these actions may indicate that the United States and Israel are preparing for another round of military confrontation with the Iranian regime. The White House declined to confirm or deny plans for an attack, stating it would not comment on "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist." However, an administration official emphasized that President Donald Trump "keeps all options on the table to ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon."

The report follows a previous publication by The Hill, which indicated that the Pentagon had developed several plans for military operations against Iran, potentially to be executed after the November 3rd midterm elections. A source involved in the planning stated that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for American military operations in the Middle East, had prepared additional options for strikes in Iran, pending President Trump's approval. Another source confirmed that CENTCOM had formulated several operational scenarios for review by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This source also stressed that Trump is determined to maintain his decision-making flexibility and is not ruling out any military or diplomatic option before making a final decision.