According to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, the United States has warned several Gulf Arab states to prepare for a potential "brief but intense" military operation against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections. The report indicates that President Trump leans toward targeting Iran’s infrastructure and nuclear facilities, though no final decision has been made. The U.S. outreach is also seen as suggesting Israel may be preparing to participate in a new military campaign.
The report further notes that the United States is increasing Patriot missile defense deployments in the region, relocating some forces to less vulnerable bases, and replenishing ammunition stocks while preparing additional aircraft and naval assets in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. Diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran have stalled, with both sides exchanging accusations. Trump has warned that if Iran does not accept his terms, the U.S. will resort to force again. The report mentions that U.S. strikes on Iranian territory occurred on September 1, followed by attacks on Iranian oil tankers and other vessels; in response, Iran has opened fire on commercial ships attempting to transit through a maritime route designated by the U.S. Navy, which Tehran deems illegitimate.
Iranian officials have responded by asserting their commitment to national defense. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif warned that any further U.S. military action would result in “a greater strategic defeat” for America. On Tuesday, Press TV, Iran’s state media outlet, cited a senior official stating that Tehran is prepared for an “unreserved, full-scale war.” Meanwhile, concerns persist over insufficient U.S. missile interceptors inventory, though Trump denied the claim, insisting military stockpiles are adequate.
Any military escalation is widely unpopular domestically in the United States. A Fox News poll conducted in September found that 71% of registered voters believe the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy to end the conflict, while 60% consider attacking Iran to be a mistake. A recent Pew Research Center survey showed that 65% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s approach to Iran, compared to only 33% who approve.
The core of this reporting stems from anonymous sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, with explicit acknowledgment that Trump has not yet reached a final decision. This suggests the information should first be interpreted as a strategic signal or warning rather than an imminent act of war.
If accurate, the timing of U.S. efforts to mobilize Gulf allies ahead of the midterms is politically sensitive—potentially intended as pressure on Iran, but also susceptible to being perceived domestically as election-driven maneuvering.
More alarming is the risk that Iran could target U.S. military installations, Gulf states’ infrastructure, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, transforming what was intended as a brief strike into a broader regional crisis.
Domestic polling indicating broad opposition to military action and skepticism about the absence of a coherent strategy underscores the lack of societal consensus behind such a move. While strikes on nuclear facilities might demonstrate resolve in the short term, they are unlikely to break the diplomatic impasse and could instead accelerate Iran’s nuclear activities and drive up global oil prices.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880277056159754/
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