US warns Gulf states of short, intense new campaign against Iran after November 3 midterms

In brief

• US officials reportedly warned Gulf Arab states to prepare for a short, intense campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterms.
• The US and Israel are moving air defenses, munitions and warships into the region, and a new strike could be ordered within 96 hours.
• Officials say a renewed operation would be larger than earlier strikes and could target Iran's energy, nuclear and missile infrastructure.

Gulf states told to prepare

US officials have warned several Arab states on the Persian Gulf to be ready for a short but intense military campaign against Iran once the congressional midterm elections on November 3 are over, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited informed sources (WSJ: USA võib pärast vahevalimisi Iraani uuesti rünnata – ERR). The aim, according to the paper's sources, is to weaken Tehran's capabilities and push it back to the negotiating table (США попередили країни Перської затоки про новий удар по Ірану, - WSJ – UNIAN).

Forces and air defenses on the move

The US is sending an additional Patriot air-defense system to Israel from Texas to bolster missile defense, flight-tracking data and two officials showed (ЗМІ: США попередили країни Перської затоки про можливе відновлення війни з Іраном – Українська правда). American forces in the region are replenishing munitions, and bombers and fighter jets are being readied for strikes. Officials have also said some US troops have been moved away from bases in the Middle East that could be exposed to retaliation.

A carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit could join a fleet of roughly 20 other warships in the region next month, though some vessels may be rotated out.

Scale of a possible operation

CNN reported, citing two US officials, that American forces in the Middle East could begin a new and potentially very large operation within 96 hours of an order from President Donald Trump (США готовы нанести новые мощные удары по Ирану в течение 96 часов после приказа Трампа — CNN – NV) (CNN: США готові розгорнути операцію проти Ірану впродовж 96 годин, якщо Трамп схвалить – Українська правда). The officials said the planned strikes would go well beyond earlier rounds that hit radars, launchers and other targets Iran could repair quickly. Potential targets reportedly include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone capabilities (США предупредили страны Персидского залива о возможном возобновлении войны с Ираном после выборов — WSJ – NV).

Some officials told CNN the question is not whether Trump will order the operation but when, with the period after the midterms seen as most likely (США готові розпочати масштабну операцію проти Ірану протягом 96 годин після наказу Трампа — CNN – TSN). Iranian forces are now more familiar with US tactics, which could make it harder to destroy every target, officials said.

Trump's position

Trump had said he did not plan to resume strikes before the November 3 elections. The White House said it would not comment on sensitive military plans that may or may not exist, adding that the president was keeping all options open to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.