WSJ: US conveyed message through diplomatic and military channels

US President Donald Trump arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday (local time). [AP]
US President Donald Trump arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday (local time). [AP]

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The United States has notified Arab states in the Gulf region to prepare for the possibility of a short, high-intensity military operation targeting Iran after next month's midterm elections, sources said. The warnings come amid a US military buildup in the Middle East — including additional air defense systems and troops — and growing speculation that President Donald Trump is weighing a large-scale strike on Iran's nuclear facilities and key infrastructure.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday (local time), citing sources, that Washington had conveyed a message to several Arab Gulf states to brace for a possible short, high-intensity military operation following the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

The notification was delivered through both diplomatic and military channels. The Journal described it as one of several signs that the US and Israel are preparing a new large-scale military operation against Iran.

According to sources, the US military is moving Patriot air defense missile systems from Texas to the Middle East to bolster missile defenses. Troops stationed at bases considered vulnerable to attack have also been relocated to other positions in preparation for a potential escalation.

US forces in the region are restocking ammunition. Bombers and fighter jets are also reportedly being readied for airstrikes.

Next month, an additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are each set to join forces in the Middle East, further reinforcing the US military presence there.

Trump has not yet made a final decision on a strike. However, sources said he is leaning toward launching a large-scale attack on Iran's infrastructure and nuclear facilities after the midterm elections.

The alternative to military action is negotiations. Diplomatic efforts by Middle Eastern mediators are ongoing but have yet to produce results.

Trump had previously stated he would not attack Iran before the midterm elections.

At a recent campaign rally, however, he referenced the large-scale military operation the US and Israel carried out against Iran earlier this year, suggesting further strikes remain on the table. "We could do another little 'Operation Magnificent Fury,'" he said, "or they can make a deal."


mokiya@heraldcorp.com