US warns allies Iran strikes could last several days, diplomats say

The United States has informed its regional allies that any potential new round of military operations against Iran could last several days, as regional parties brace for a possible retaliatory Iranian response that could broaden and prolong the confrontation, according to diplomats cited by the Associated Press.

US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on launching further strikes, despite increased military activity and regional preparations for a possible resumption of operations after the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

Similarly, the Axios news website reported on Wednesday that the United States and Israel are preparing for the possibility of a large-scale campaign of strikes on Iran that could last up to a week if diplomatic efforts fail to reach an understanding.

Trump told supporters at a rally in Ohio that the situation with Iran would be resolved soon, as reports of renewed military operations continue to circulate.

Diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation

In response, Iran has warned of devastating economic consequences from any new Israeli-led attack, and announced ongoing talks with mediators over a previously proposed plan to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding US-Iranian contacts, the Wall Street Journal reported that US Vice President Mike Pence sent a message to Mohsen Rezaee, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in an attempt to revive peace negotiations. However, Trump denied tasking Pence with resuming talks, clarifying that the communication was related to medical supplies.

Axios also noted that mediators led by Qatar are increasing pressure on Tehran to make concessions on its nuclear program in exchange for some relief from US sanctions, in a bid to reach an understanding that would prevent renewed military confrontation.

Strait of Hormuz at the center of the crisis

These developments come amid ongoing fallout from the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, which has severely disrupted energy supplies and impacted the global economy.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has disrupted navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a passageway for about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, and has begun attacking ships attempting to pass without its permission.

In response, the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Iran's economy, while the prospect of renewed strikes has raised fears of escalation spreading to other countries in the region, according to diplomats cited by the Associated Press.