US warns Gulf states of possible short, intense campaign against Iran after midterms

WASHINGTON: The United States has told several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible short, intense military campaign against Iran after the 3 November midterm elections, according to the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper cited people briefed on the conversations.

The warnings were delivered through diplomatic and military channels, the Journal reported. It said they were among signs that the US and Israel were preparing a new round of heavy combat operations to degrade Iran's capabilities and push Tehran towards negotiations.

President Donald Trump has not made a decision, people familiar with his thinking told the Journal. They said he was leaning towards a large attack after the election that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites. Trump has said he will not attack Iran before the midterms.

Officials told the Journal that the US was moving a Patriot missile defence system from Texas to the region and had moved troops off vulnerable bases. US forces have been restocking munitions, and bomber and fighter aircraft are preparing for strikes. An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are poised to join about 20 other US warships in the Middle East next month.

Israel has also prepared plans and targets for a new attack, the Journal reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to press for a resumption of strikes. Washington has also ordered nonessential diplomatic staff and family members to leave Saudi Arabia, according to Roya News.

The White House declined to comment on what it called sensitive military plans that may or may not exist. It said Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. At a rally last week, Trump said the US could carry out another limited version of the spring bombing campaign, known as Epic Fury, unless Iran agrees to a deal.

Iran has warned that it would answer any attack with strikes on economic and civilian targets across the region. Earlier in the war it hit US bases, energy facilities and airports in the Gulf. The Journal reported that Iran retains hundreds to thousands of missiles and is assembling new ballistic missiles from stockpiled parts. The US and its Gulf allies are still replenishing missile defences depleted by earlier attacks.

Strikes would mark a shift from the administration's economic pressure campaign. Tighter sanctions and a naval blockade have cut off Iran's oil sales for months. Several analysts quoted by the Journal questioned whether new strikes would succeed. A former Israeli military intelligence official said more bombing could harden Tehran's commitment to its missile and nuclear programmes rather than topple the government.

Regional mediators are trying to revive talks but have made little progress. Washington insists on discussing Iran's nuclear programme, while Tehran has set tough conditions for resuming negotiations. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have held talks with Iranian officials.

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