US officials have told several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after next week’s midterm elections, and for the chance that Iran hits back at them. Two diplomats briefed on the warnings told the Associated Press that President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on new strikes.
Trump has said repeatedly that he is weighing military action once the November 3 elections are over. The warnings, delivered by US diplomats and defence officials, put the region on alert for a return to major operations, according to the diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the sensitive messages.
US officials told allies that a new round of action could last several days, the diplomats said. Regional officials fear the fighting could run longer if Iran and the groups it backs retaliate, with energy facilities and other critical infrastructure seen as likely targets.
The White House and US officials declined to comment on the report. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday in a post on X that Tehran “continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed” and is working with mediators on ideas from a proposal floated last month that Trump rejected.
The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry urged all sides to “exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions” to contain tensions and prevent a return to full-scale operations in the war that began in late February. The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Gulf states were told to expect a short, intense campaign, with US forces restocking munitions, preparing bombers and fighter jets, and moving a Patriot air defence battery to the region.
Trump has said publicly that he will not order strikes before the November 3 vote. What happens after it remains undecided, according to the diplomats, leaving allies to prepare for both a new campaign and a wider retaliation.
Source: New York Post
