US warns Gulf allies of possible renewed strikes on Iran after midterms – WSJ
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The United States has warned several Arab countries in the Persian Gulf that it could launch a short but intense military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Washington is preparing for the possibility of renewed strikes, although President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on a new military operation.
According to the newspaper, the US military is developing options for fresh attacks designed to increase pressure on Tehran and force it to make concessions in negotiations.
Potential targets include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone capabilities.
US prepares for possible new strikes
The US military is increasing its presence in the region, preparing additional ships, aircraft, and Marines. Washington is also strengthening regional defenses, replenishing ammunition stocks, and relocating some service members from potentially dangerous bases.
Israel is also drawing up plans for possible new strikes against Iran. The previous joint US-Israeli campaign inflicted significant damage on Iran’s nuclear program, but the situation remains uncertain.
US President Donald Trump previously said he did not plan to resume strikes before the November 3 midterm elections. However, Washington continues to consider military options in case diplomatic efforts fail to produce results.
Iran threatens retaliation
Tehran has warned that if the United States launches new attacks, Iran could expand its strikes to economic and civilian targets across the region. Iran retains substantial stocks of missiles and drones and is rebuilding its arsenal.
Against this backdrop, Gulf countries fear that a new escalation could put their infrastructure and energy facilities at risk.
Meanwhile, mediators in the Middle East are attempting to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Analysts warn that renewed strikes would not necessarily force Iran to capitulate and could instead strengthen its determination to develop its missile and nuclear capabilities.
The condition of Iran’s nuclear facilities following previous attacks remains another unresolved issue. The International Atomic Energy Agency says it cannot verify whether Iran has moved nuclear materials because it has been denied access to the damaged sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently delivered remarks at the Likud party’s election headquarters in Jerusalem following parliamentary elections. Among other things, he hinted at a new escalation of the war with Iran.
As previously reported, US military spending on the war against Iran has exceeded $47 billion.
