The US has warned several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military offensive against Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Wednesday.
The warning sent by diplomatic and military channels is the latest indication that the US and Israel are preparing to launch another round of attacks against Iran, in an effort to weaken Tehran and force it to negotiations, according to WSJ's sources.
US forces have been restocking their munitions in the region, and bomber aircraft and jet fighters are preparing for attacks, officials told the WSJ.
The US military is moving a Patriot missile defence system from Texas to Israel to support defences, according to flight tracking data and two officials. The Patriot system includes radar equipment, missile launchers and interceptor missiles.
Next month, an aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit will also join around 20 other warships operating in the Middle East, the report said.
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Last week, the US press reported that US troops and diplomats have been evacuating posts in the Middle East. NBC News reported that the State Department ordered a further reduction in staff at diplomatic posts in the region.
The Pentagon told Congress last week that the US-Israeli war on Iran, now in its eighth month, had cost the US $47.1bn through 16 October, a rise from the previous $37.5bn cited by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Bombs, missiles and other types of ammunition made up over 60 percent of the total costs.
US President Donald Trump hasn't made a final decision yet, but is inclined towards launching a major attack that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites, according to several reports.
'Unacceptable' ideas
An alternative to renewing the war would be a deal, but mediation efforts fell short on Sunday, when Iran rejected a draft agreement from Qatar.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Qatar did not present a proposal to Iran; rather, it put forward "unacceptable" ideas and that Tehran would show no flexibility on the nuclear issue.
On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of a devastating economic impact from any new attack.
"Devastating impact on int'l markets of any Israel-instigated military misadventure in Persian Gulf region remains major concern for both gas suppliers and consumers," Araghchi said in a post on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in particular, has been touting the prospect of new attacks as he seeks re-election in Israel's parliamentary elections.
With 85 percent of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc fell to 53 seats out of a total of 120 seats.
On Wednesday, as negotiations were set to begin on forming a new government, Netanyahu announced he would work with Trump to eliminate the "existential threat" posed by Iran.
His main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, has also supported strikes on Iran alongside economic pressure.
Trump has said he wouldn't attack Iran before the midterm elections.
"We may do another little Epic Fury," Trump said at a rally in Florida last week, using the US military's term for its war on Iran.
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