US Urges Gulf Allies to Prepare for Potential Iran Conflict Post-US Elections

The United States has alerted Persian Gulf nations to prepare for a "short and intense military campaign" following the US midterm elections on November 3. Informed sources told The Wall Street Journal that warnings were conveyed through diplomatic and military channels, signaling a potential escalation in US and Israeli efforts against Iran. This plan carries a significant risk of wider conflict. According to sources familiar with the preparations, the US military is redeploying a Patriot missile system from Texas to bolster missile defense in the Middle East. Additionally, US troops have been withdrawn from vulnerable bases in the region, while forces are replenishing ammunition and preparing aircraft for potential strikes. By November 2026, an additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are slated to join the approximately 20 warships currently operating in the Middle East, though some vessels may rotate out.

President Donald Trump has not yet decided on launching an operation, but sources close to his thinking suggest he is leaning towards a significant attack after the November 3 elections, potentially targeting Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. An alternative is pursuing a diplomatic agreement. Regional mediators are continuing their efforts, but without success thus far. Trump alluded to a possible military action at a recent rally, stating, "Maybe we'll do another small "Epic Rage"... Or they (the Iranians) will agree." The White House declined to comment on "classified military plans," but affirmed that President Trump "keeps all options on the table to ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon." The troop movements and planning are intended to provide Trump with options should he decide to strike.

Israel has also finalized plans for a new attack and identified targets, as previously reported by The Wall Street Journal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pressing the US to resume strikes against Iran. In a speech on October 28, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to "eliminate this threat forever," stating, "We have brought the Iranian regime to the brink... But I tell you: it is not over yet, because as long as this fanatical regime exists, whose purpose is to destroy us, it will try to destroy us again. Together with our wonderful friend, President Trump, we can eliminate this threat once and for all." This statement followed the Israeli Knesset elections on October 27, where Netanyahu's Likud party emerged as the largest, but his bloc lacked a clear majority to form a government. Concerns exist among opposition parties that Netanyahu might provoke an escalation with Iran to complicate his political opponents' positions and potentially force a unity government.

On the evening of October 27, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yesh Atid party, called for Netanyahu's resignation, labeling him "head of a transitional government without a mandate or trust." Eisenkot also urged the heads of the IDF and intelligence services to "be firm and steadfast in the face of any attempts to test you. Netanyahu, do not dare to use Israel's security for your political purposes."