US allegedly warned Gulf allies to prepare for possible strikes on Iran after midterms
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The United States has advised several Gulf Arab allies to prepare for a possible short but intense round of military strikes on Iran as early as November 4, the day after the US midterm elections, according to reports citing senior Gulf officials.
The warnings, conveyed through diplomatic and military channels, follow earlier briefings reported by The Wall Street Journal and MS Now.
Officials familiar with the discussions said Washington has been updating regional partners on the potential for renewed operations aimed at Iranian infrastructure and nuclear-related sites.
President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on launching strikes but is described by people familiar with his thinking as leaning toward a substantial post-election operation.
He has repeatedly stated that no new attacks would occur before the November 3 midterms.
At a recent Florida campaign rally, Trump said, “We may do another little Epic Fury, or they’ll agree,” referring to the earlier joint US-‘Israeli’ campaign that began in February 2026.
A White House official declined to discuss specific plans, stating: “We do not comment on sensitive military plans that may or may not exist. President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
The US has not conducted strikes on Iran since early September, following months of conflict that included the death of Iran’s former supreme leader.
American forces in the region have taken preparatory steps.
These include moving a Patriot air-defense battery from Texas to ‘Israel’, relocating troops from bases considered vulnerable to Iranian retaliation, restocking munitions, and readying bombers and fighter jets.
An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to reinforce roughly 20 US warships already operating in the Middle East.Gulf states have expressed concern about potential Iranian retaliation, particularly against energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.
One senior Gulf official indicated that some countries might object to US strikes launched from bases on their territory.
Regional governments have been urged to strengthen defensive measures in anticipation of possible responses by Iran or its proxies.
Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel.
Reports indicate that Vice President JD Vance recently sent a letter to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei proposing talks, while Qatari mediators have been active in Tehran with proposals covering confidence-building steps.
US officials have reportedly told allies any new campaign could last several days, though Iranian responses could prolong fighting.
