US Reportedly Warns Gulf Allies to Prepare for Iran Campaign After Midterms

US officials have reportedly told several Arab Gulf governments to prepare for a possible short, intense military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. The warnings were conveyed through diplomatic and military channels, according to people briefed on the conversations cited in reports published on October 28. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on an attack. The reported preparations include moving a Patriot air-defense system from Texas to the Middle East and relocating personnel from bases considered vulnerable to Iranian retaliation. Officials familiar with the planning also described replenished munitions and preparations involving bombers and fighter aircraft. Possible targets under discussion include infrastructure and nuclear facilities, but the reports do not describe an approved operation. The White House declined to discuss sensitive military planning. It said Trump “keeps all options on the table” to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Regional mediators are still pursuing a negotiated agreement, with no breakthrough reported. An additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary force are expected in the region next month, according to the reports. Roughly 20 US warships are already operating there. Some arriving ships could replace vessels already deployed, so the expected arrivals do not necessarily represent an increase in the overall force.