Diplomatic briefings revealed that an American military operation could span several days, prompting calls for regional allies to protect key infrastructure from Iranian proxy retaliation. Although President Donald Trump is weighing action after the November 3 midterm elections, diplomats noted that a final decision has not yet been reached. The ongoing conflict has already cost American taxpayers roughly $47.1 billion and involved exchanges between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition. Meanwhile, regional actors and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continue to call for diplomatic solutions and restraint.
Key points
Regional allies have been advised to enact precautionary measures to defend energy facili…: Regional allies have been advised to enact precautionary measures to defend energy facilities from possible Iranian proxy retaliation.
The new military reinforcements could expand the American naval footprint to over 20,000…: The new military reinforcements could expand the American naval footprint to over 20,000 sailors and Marines.
President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding renewed military opera…: President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding renewed military operations following the November 3 elections.
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Washington: US officials have told several Middle East countries and regional allies to be prepared for potential renewed military action against Iran after next week's midterm elections in the United States - as well as the possibility that Iran will attempt to retaliate against them, according to two diplomats briefed on the matter.
Both of the diplomats spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment about the sensitive warnings conveyed by US diplomats and defence officials.
Also read: US Iran war: Vance sends letter to Tehran hard-liner in bid to revive peace talks as Trump threatens strikes
President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to carry out new strikes against Iran, the diplomats stressed. The president, however, has repeatedly said that he is weighing ordering new military action once the critical November 3 elections in the United States are over.
Those threats and the fresh US urgings for allies to prepare for potential retaliation are putting the region on alert that a return to major operations could now be on the…
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