US Warns Gulf: Prepare For Short, Intense Ircan War After Midterms, Says WSJ; Trump Says ‘You’ll See Iran In A Couple Of Weeks’

WASHINGTON / DUBAI:The United States has warned several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military campaign against Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing sources briefed on the discussions.

 According to the report, the messages were conveyed through diplomatic and military channels and are among growing signs that the US and Israel are readying to launch a new round of heavy combat operations against Iran, risking major escalation in hopes of degrading Tehran’s strength and pushing it toward negotiations.

Military Preparations:

 The US military is sending an additional Patriot air defense battery from Texas to Israel to beef up its missile defenses, according to flight-tracking data, and moving troops away from bases where they could be exposed to Iranian fire. US forces in the region have been restocking munitions such as Tomahawk and Patriot missiles — war cost so far estimated at $47.1 billion — and bomber aircraft and jet fighters are preparing for strikes. An additional aircraft-carrier strike group and Marine expeditionary unit are also poised to join an armada of roughly 20 other warships operating in the Middle East next month.

Trump’s Hint:

President Donald Trump hasn’t made a final decision but is leaning toward a large post-election attack that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites, people familiar with his thinking said.

 The White House declined to comment on “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist,” but said Trump keeps “all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

 At a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas on Tuesday, Trump said: “You’ll see Iran in a couple of weeks, if you don’t mind.” At an earlier rally in Fort Myers, Florida he said: “We may do another little Epic Fury, or they’ll agree.”

Trump has previously said he will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterms. The US and Israel launched Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury on Feb 28 earlier this year.

Diplomacy Side:

 At the same time, Qatari mediators on Sunday presented Iran with a new 7-day draft deal addressing both Tehran’s and Washington’s concerns, with daily confidence-building steps. Iran is expected to respond by end of week, with several countries as guarantors.