The U.S. has warned its Gulf allies of a possible "short, intense" attack on Iran after the U.S. midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The reported warning was conveyed to several Gulf Arab countries, which were told to be prepared for a short but intense military campaign following the Nov. 3 vote [1][2]. The WSJ account did not identify the officials involved or specify which governments received the message.
A report by The Cradle, which cited the WSJ article and people privy to the talks, noted that the warning was coursed through diplomatic and military channels [3]. The reported caution to Gulf capitals comes as the White House weighs a new round of strikes, according to the people briefed on the discussions.
Military Reinforcements Headed to West Asia
An additional U.S. aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are preparing to join roughly 20 other warships operating in West Asia in November, according to WSJ. The reinforcements add to a U.S. military presence estimated at roughly 50,000 personnel in early October. The reported movements have not been publicly detailed by the U.S. Department of War.
Aside from additional personnel, U.S. forces in the West Asia region are readying both military aircraft and munitions [3]. According to the WSJ, a Patriot air defense system is being shipped from Texas as part of the preparations [2].
Timing Tied to Midterm Elections, Trump Remarks Cited
President Donald Trump is reportedly leaning toward a large-scale assault on Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites as soon as the midterms are over, according to WSJ. "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," he told supporters at a recent rally, referencing the name of the Feb. 28 joint operation with Israel against the Islamic Republic.
The reported sequencing places the decision after an election in which control of Congress is at stake. His plan to launch renewed strikes against Tehran after the Nov. 3 elections also serves to shield his approval rating, which has sunk to record lows as per a number of surveys.
Israel Said to Have Plans; Netanyahu Lobbying for Strikes
Israel has drawn up plans and targets for a new attack, the WSJ reported, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is continuing to lobby for renewed strikes. The longest-serving Israeli leader argued that the attacks aim to weaken Iran and ultimately topple its government.
The report did not cite public confirmation from Israeli officials of the specific plans or targets. The prospect of a renewed campaign follows earlier U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, including strikes on nuclear facilities.
Iran Cites Readiness, Denies Qatar Proposal
Iran has repeatedly asserted that any renewed aggression would draw a forceful response against economic and civilian targets across the region.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official denied that Qatar had handed Tehran a new proposal to end the U.S.-Israeli war. The unnamed official told Reuters that Qatari mediators had instead put forward a set of "unacceptable" ideas and that Tehran would not budge on the nuclear issue. The competing accounts leave the state of mediation unclear.
Official Confirmation Not Reported
The WSJ account relied on sources it did not identify, a standard practice for sensitive diplomatic and military discussions. Military deployments and reported preparations are continuing ahead of the midterm elections, while Iranian officials maintain that any attack would draw a response.
References
- US warns Gulf of intense strikes on Iran after midterms: Report. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-warns-gulf-intense-strikes-iran-after-midterms-report
- US warns Gulf of possible short, intense renewal of Iran war after midterms. https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-warns-gulf-of-possible-short-intense-renewal-of-iran-war-after-midterms-cd1a55e1
- US tells Gulf states to brace for renewed assault on Iran after midterms: Report. https://thecradle.co/articles/us-tells-gulf-states-to-brace-for-renewed-assault-on-iran-after-midterms-report
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