Gulf Allies Told to Brace for Iran Strikes, Reports Say
The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press, citing unnamed sources, report that U.S. officials told Middle East allies to prepare for possible renewed strikes on Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections. No final decision has been made, the reports say.
The United States has told several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a "short, intense military campaign" against Iran after the midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the conversations. The Journal reported that U.S. forces in the region are restocking munitions and preparing bombers and fighter jets, and that a Patriot missile defense system is being moved from Texas. The Associated Press separately reported, citing two diplomats briefed on the matter, that U.S. officials told several Middle East countries and allies to be ready for potential renewed military action after the elections, which could last several days, and to take precautions against Iranian retaliation on energy facilities and other infrastructure. Both reports say President Donald Trump has not made a final decision. The White House and U.S. officials declined to comment to the AP. No U.S. official has confirmed the warnings on the record.
What the Journal reported
According to the Journal, as carried by Anadolu, Middle East Eye and Ynet, the messages went through diplomatic and military channels. The Journal reported, citing officials, that U.S. forces in the region are restocking munitions and preparing bombers and fighter jets, and that the U.S. military is moving a Patriot missile defense system from Texas, according to the same outlets. The Journal also reported that an aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to join about 20 U.S. warships in the region next month, Middle East Eye and Ynet reported.
What the AP reported
The two diplomats who spoke to the AP did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the warnings, the AP reported, in a story carried by The Washington Post. According to the diplomats, U.S. officials told allies the new military action could last several days, and urged them to take precautions against Iranian retaliation on energy facilities and other infrastructure.
What officials have said publicly
Trump has said he is weighing new military action after the elections, the AP and Middle East Eye reported. "We may do another little Epic Fury," he said at a rally in Florida last week, using the military's name for its Iran operation, according to Middle East Eye and the New York Post. The Pentagon has told Congress the war has cost the U.S. $47.1 billion, according to the AP and Middle East Eye.