The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials and others, reported CENTCOM’s commander visited the White House on the 29th to brief President Trump on military options against Iran; the Defense Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs attended and other topics were discussed. The report says the US has warned Gulf partners to prepare for a possible short, high‑intensity strike after the US midterm elections. In recent weeks Washington has deployed air‑defense systems, munitions and supplies

The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials and others, reported CENTCOM’s commander visited the White House on the 29th to brief President Trump on military options against Iran; the Defense Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs attended and other topics were discussed. The report says the US has warned Gulf partners to prepare for a possible short, high‑intensity strike after the US midterm elections. In recent weeks Washington has deployed air‑defense systems, munitions and supplies to the Middle East, repositioned some forces from bases deemed vulnerable, and is sending a Patriot battery to Israel. Iran has threatened to strike a wide range of US and Gulf targets if attacked and has reportedly used stock components to restart ballistic‑missile production in underground facilities. The vice president was reportedly directed by the president to engage Iranian hardliners to try to revive peace talks.