US Warns Gulf Allies to Brace for Iran Retaliation After Midterms
U.S. officials have told Middle East allies to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, and for Iranian retaliation against them, according to two diplomats briefed on the matter.
The diplomats told The Associated Press that the U.S. said a new round of action could last several days, though regional officials expect Iran and its proxies to hit back, which could prolong the fighting. Allies were urged to take precautions in anticipation of retaliatory strikes on energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the U.S. warned several Gulf Arab states to prepare for a “short, intense” campaign. The diplomats stressed that Trump has not made a final decision on new strikes, though he has repeatedly said he is weighing ordering military action once the midterms are over. At a campaign stop in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump said “you’ll see Iran in a couple of weeks.” The White House declined to comment on “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist” and said the president keeps all options on the table.
The military is reinforcing its presence. The Journal reported that the U.S. is moving a Patriot missile defense system from Texas to the region, has moved troops from vulnerable bases, is restocking munitions and is preparing bombers and fighter jets. An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to join about 20 U.S. warships in the Middle East next month. The Pentagon deployed the USS Theodore Roosevelt and several amphibious ships with about 9,000 troops from San Diego to the Persian Gulf late last month. CNN reported that U.S. forces could launch a major operation within 96 hours of an order.
Gulf states fear that renewed fighting would expose their energy facilities to Iranian missile and drone attacks, while the U.S. and its allies are still replenishing missile defenses depleted by earlier attacks. Iran retains hundreds to thousands of missiles and is assembling new ballistic missiles from stockpiled parts, the Journal reported. The U.S. has not struck Iran since early September. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the region is on edge that Tehran could act before the election, especially if it believes U.S. action is imminent.
Information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, Anadolu Agency and CNN.