US warns allies to prepare for possible Iran strikes after elections
Washington has alerted Middle East allies to brace for potential military action against Iran after the US midterm elections, warning of possible energy infrastructure retaliation.
Key Takeaways
AIUS officials have informed several Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for the possible resumption of military operations against Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3, anticipating a potential response from Tehran, according to two diplomats cited by the Associated Press.
The diplomats, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the warnings conveyed by US diplomats and defense officials, said President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching new strikes, despite repeatedly stating he is considering military action after the elections.
They explained that Washington told its regional partners the next round of operations could last several days, while regional officials are preparing for a possible Iranian response or actions by its proxies that could prolong the confrontation. US officials have urged allies to take precautionary measures in anticipation of potential attacks on energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
The White House and other US officials declined to comment, while the Wall Street Journal previously reported that Gulf states had been briefed to prepare for a possible escalation.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X on Wednesday that Iran "continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed," noting ongoing work with mediators to review ideas included in an Iranian proposal submitted last month and rejected by Trump. Tehran is seeking to use this proposal as a basis for returning to a ceasefire.
According to the agency, the timing of US military readiness to resume strikes after the elections remains unclear. Late last month, the Pentagon deployed the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt along with amphibious assault ships carrying about 9,000 troops, potentially raising the number of US sailors and Marines in the region to over 20,000, in addition to hundreds of aircraft.
In its latest report to Congress, the Pentagon estimated the cost of the war for US taxpayers at around $47.1 billion.
At a campaign rally in Texas on Tuesday, Trump said the war could end decisively "within two weeks," adding: "I was asked: When will the war in Iran end? I said: Whenever I want... It will be very quick, but it must end the right way, with a full guarantee they will never have a nuclear weapon."