In brief
Following the U.S. midterm elections, Washington has urged Gulf allies to prepare for a short but high‑intensity campaign against Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. and Israeli forces are amming and planning possible strikes on Iranian infrastructure, while President Trump remains undecided but leaning toward an attack, though he said it would not happen before the elections.
WASHINGTON – U.S. officials reportedly advised Gulf states to prepare for a brief but intense strike on Iran after the midterm elections, a story first reported by The Wall Street Journal and relayed by Xinhua on Oct. 28.
According to Xinhua, the United States and Israel are shoring up ammunition stocks and planning potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure, with U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East reportedly replenishing supplies as bombers and fighter jets prepare to deploy for a possible campaign.
President Donald Trump has yet to issue a final decision, but the report indicates he is leaning toward a major attack targeting Iranian nuclear sites if conditions warrant, while also leaving open the possibility of pursuing a diplomatic resolution.
Trump publicly stated that the United States would not launch an attack on Iran ahead of the midterm elections, noting a readiness to consider a deal alongside military options.
All sources agree that U.S. and Israeli forces are preparing for a short, high‑intensity campaign; the only claim unique to the Wall Street Journal, as relayed by Xinhua, is the specific instruction to Gulf allies to ready for a potential strike.
Israel has also drawn up plans and identified targets for a possible new attack, the report said. Earlier this week, President Trump remarked that the U.S. might launch another “little Epic Fury,” referencing the spring bombing campaign, and mentioned that he could negotiate a deal with Iran if certain conditions were met.
Given the timing of the U.S. midterm elections, officials have stressed that any military action would be contingent on post‑election assessment, a stance reflected in Trump's earlier statement that an attack would not occur before elections.
