WSJ: US warned Gulf states of a possible short but intense campaign against Iran after the elections

Warning to the Gulf states

US officials have warned several Arab states of the Persian Gulf that a short but intense military campaign against Iran could begin after the congressional elections on November 3. This was reported, citing informed sources, by The Wall Street Journal; Zamon.uz retells the publication in Russian and Uzbek. According to the outlet, the goal of the operation could be to weaken Tehran's military capabilities and bring the Iranian leadership back to the negotiating table.

Military preparations in the region

The publication describes signs of intensified American military preparations: an additional Patriot air defense system is being sent from Texas to Israel, some troops have been withdrawn from vulnerable bases, US forces in the region are building up ammunition stocks, and bombers and fighter jets are preparing for possible strikes. These details indicate that the preparations are proceeding in parallel with the diplomatic track: according to WSJ, the possibility of an agreement instead of military action remains open.

No decision made, Iran threatens retaliation

According to The Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump has not made a final decision on a new operation, but after the elections he is leaning toward strikes on Iran's infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Iran, for its part, has warned that in the event of a new attack it could respond with strikes on economic and civilian infrastructure in the region — so, the outlet notes, a new campaign could lead to a further escalation of the conflict. Key uncertainty remains: the report is based on sources and describes preparations and scenarios, not a decision to launch an operation.