US reportedly warns Gulf states of possible short, intense strike on Iran after midterms
The Wall Street Journal reports that Washington has told several Gulf nations it may attack Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, while moving air defences and forces into the region.
Washington, United States. The US has warned several Gulf states that it could carry out a “brief but intense” military operation against Iran once the November 3 midterm elections are over, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The newspaper said the messages were delivered through diplomatic and military channels.
Plans under consideration
Sources cited by the newspaper said Washington and Israel are preparing a new round of attacks meant to weaken Iran and push it back to the negotiating table. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision. According to the Journal, however, he is seriously weighing large-scale operations after the elections, and Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities are among the possible targets.
Military preparations
The US military is reportedly sending an additional Patriot missile defence system from Texas to Israel to help counter any Iranian retaliation. The newspaper said the shipment was spotted in flight tracking data and confirmed by two officials familiar with the weaponry.
US personnel are also being pulled out of bases in the Middle East that are seen as vulnerable to an Iranian strike. Ammunition stocks are being built up, and plans are being drawn up for the possible use of fighter and bomber aircraft.
Twenty warships are already stationed near the Persian Gulf. An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to arrive.
Cost of the war
The war is now in its eighth month. By mid-October its cost was estimated at $47.1 billion, a figure that excludes damage to US military installations in the Middle East.
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