US Warns Gulf States to Prepare for Iran Conflict Post-Midterms

The United States has alerted several Gulf Arab nations to prepare for a short but intense military campaign against Iran, expected to occur after the upcoming midterm elections, according to a Wall Street Journal report. While President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching an operation, sources familiar with the matter indicate he is leaning towards a broad but brief offensive targeting Iran's infrastructure and nuclear sites.

In preparation for a potential escalation, the U.S. military is reportedly deploying a Patriot missile system from Texas to bolster missile defense in the Middle East. Additionally, forces have been repositioned from bases deemed vulnerable, and an additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary force are on standby.

The New York Times previously reported, citing U.S. officials, that the U.S. military and the IDF have developed plans for renewed strikes against Iran. Intelligence assessments suggest that if the U.S. and Israel initiate new military action, Iran and the Houthis are likely to retaliate swiftly by targeting American military personnel and facilities across the Middle East and potentially beyond.

However, current U.S. intelligence also assesses that Iran and the Houthis are not expected to initiate an attack that would lead to an escalation against the U.S. or Israel at this time. President Trump himself recently commented that the U.S. is not negotiating with Iran and that "something will happen" soon, adding that most people expect it to occur after the elections.