US tells Gulf allies to prepare for possible post-election attack on Iran

The United States has told several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a “short, intense military campaign” against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people briefed on the discussions.

The messages, conveyed through diplomatic and military channels, are among growing signs that Washington and Israel are preparing for renewed heavy combat operations aimed at weakening Iran and pressuring it to return to negotiations, the report said.

The US military is moving a Patriot missile defence system from Texas to the region, relocating troops from vulnerable bases and replenishing munitions, while preparing bombers and fighter jets for potential strikes, according to the newspaper.

An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are also expected to join about 20 US warships in the Middle East next month, the report added.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision but is leaning towards a “large post-election attack” that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with his thinking.

The White House declined to comment on what it called “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist”, saying Trump was keeping all options open to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump said developments involving Iran would become clear “in a couple of weeks”, adding that the conflict could end whenever he wanted.

He also claimed the United States had destroyed Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and defeated it militarily and financially.

Trump has previously said he would not attack Iran before the midterm elections.