US urges allies to prepare for possible new strikes on Iran

The United States has urged several Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, as well as potential Iranian retaliation, according to two diplomats briefed on the warnings.

US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on fresh strikes, but has repeatedly said he is considering military action after the elections.

The warnings have heightened concerns across the region that the conflict, which began in late February, could escalate again.

The diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said US officials had warned that a new round of military action could last several days, while Iran and its allied groups could retaliate against energy facilities and other critical infrastructure, potentially prolonging the confrontation.

It remains unclear how soon the US military could resume strikes after Election Day.

The Pentagon deployed the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and several amphibious ships carrying Marines from San Diego to the Persian Gulf late last month, sending roughly 9,000 additional troops to the region.

The deployment could bring the US naval presence in the Middle East to more than 20,000 sailors and Marines, alongside hundreds of aircraft, according to a US official cited by The Associated Press.