The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reports the
U.S. has asked several Gulf Arab states to prepare for a possible short, intense
military strike on Iran after the U.S. midterm elections. Washington has
conveyed the warning via diplomatic and military channels and, together with
Israel, is reportedly preparing for fresh strikes intended to degrade Tehran—a
move that could trigger significant escalation. U.S. forces are deploying a
Patriot air‑defense battery from Texas, repositioning troops from vulnerable
bases, replenishing munitions, and preparing bombers and fighters; a carrier
strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are also scheduled to join roughly
20 warships already operating in the region next month. Sources say President
Trump has not decided but favors a post‑election large‑scale strike that could
target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites.
