US Warns Gulf States to Brace for 'Short, Intense' Iran Campaign After Midterms

US Warns Gulf States to Brace for Short, Intense Iran Campaign After Midterms

The United States has told several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible short but intense military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people briefed on the conversations. The warnings, passed through diplomatic and military channels, are among growing signs that Washington and Israel are preparing a new round of heavy strikes aimed at weakening Iran and pushing it back to negotiations.

Military preparations are already under way, according to the report. The US is moving an additional Patriot air-defence system from Texas to the region, shifting troops away from exposed bases, restocking munitions and readying bombers and fighter jets. An extra aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to join roughly 20 American warships already in the Middle East next month. Oil prices jumped on the news, with Brent crude rising above $115 a barrel.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, the Journal said, but is leaning toward a large post-election attack that could hit Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites. He has said he will not strike before the midterms, and told a rally in Texas this week that Iran could feature in a couple of weeks. The White House declined to comment on what it called sensitive military plans, saying only that Trump keeps all options on the table to stop Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.

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