US tells Middle East allies to prepare for possible Iran strikes after midterms: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States has told its allies in the Middle East to get ready for possible new military strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, diplomats familiar with the warning said. US officials have shared that these attacks could stretch over several days and have urged their partners to be vigilant for potential Iranian retaliation, especially against energy sites and other key infrastructure.
While President Donald Trump hasn’t definitively decided whether to launch more strikes, he’s made it clear, often hinting that action could follow the elections, as reported by The Associated Press.
US warns allies of possible renewed military action
Two diplomats told AP that officials in the region are also preparing for Iran and its proxy groups to retaliate, potentially extending the conflict. The warning reportedly included the possibility that military operations could continue for several days.
Trump keeps hinting that the US will consider military action after the November 3 midterm elections, but he hasn't made a final call yet about launching another round of strikes.
No one knows exactly how fast the US military could gear up to restart operations right after Election Day.
Meanwhile, Washington’s warning to its allies comes while American forces stay active in the region and leaders keep weighing the risks of things spiraling further.
Pentagon moves forces toward Persian Gulf as South Korea weighs options
Late last month, the US dispatched the USS Theodore Roosevelt along with amphibious ships packed with Marines from San Diego, all heading straight for the Persian Gulf.
That move put about 9,000 troops in motion. Sending the carrier and those Marines signals that the US is weighing its next steps, especially since no one’s sure if Trump will order fresh strikes against Iran.
On the other side of the world, South Korea announced Thursday, October 29, that it’s weighing its own deployment options for the Strait of Hormuz.
They’re thinking about sending a maritime patrol aircraft but made it clear they’re not considering sending combat troops.
While Washington has reportedly warned partners to prepare, no final decision has been announced by Trump.
The administration has not publicly confirmed when military action could take place or whether the reported preparations will lead to renewed strikes.
