US Warns Middle East Allies to Prepare for Possible Iran Strikes After Midterm Elections

The United States has warned several Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for possible renewed military strikes against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, as Washington also cautions that Tehran could retaliate against energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Two diplomats briefed on the warnings told the Associated Press that US officials had informed regional partners of the possibility of fresh military action. The sources spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the sensitive diplomatic communications.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to resume strikes, the diplomats said. However, the president has repeatedly suggested that military action could follow the US elections, raising concerns about a renewed escalation in a conflict that began in late February.

According to the diplomats, the potential US operation could last several days, while retaliation by Iran and allied armed groups could prolong the confrontation. Regional governments have reportedly been urged to take precautions against possible attacks on energy infrastructure and other strategically important facilities.

The warnings come amid an increased US military presence in the Persian Gulf. The Pentagon has deployed approximately 9,000 troops aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and accompanying naval vessels, a move that could bring the number of US sailors and Marines in the region to more than 20,000.

The possibility of renewed strikes has also been reported by other media organisations. ABC News reported on October 22 that US and Israeli officials were drawing up plans for potential attacks after the elections. The White House said at the time that the United States would not attack Iran before November 3, while maintaining that Trump had not ruled out military action.

Iran, meanwhile, has signalled that diplomatic efforts remain possible. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was continuing to give diplomacy a chance and was working with mediators to consider proposals aimed at restoring a ceasefire.

The United Arab Emirates has also urged the parties to exercise restraint and pursue political solutions to contain tensions and prevent a return to full-scale fighting.

The conflict has already had consequences for regional security and the global economy. Attacks linked to Iran-backed Houthi forces have affected Saudi infrastructure, while retaliatory military operations in Yemen have added another front to the wider regional confrontation.

The war has also pushed up fuel costs and increased financial pressure on the United States. Pentagon figures cited by the Associated Press put the cost of the conflict to American taxpayers at approximately $47.1 billion.

The political timing is significant for Trump, whose Republican Party faces voters in the November 3 midterm elections amid concerns about fuel prices and the economic consequences of the conflict. The president has repeatedly said the war could end soon, while warning that further military action remains an option if a satisfactory agreement with Tehran cannot be reached.

Despite the heightened military preparations, a renewed US attack has not been confirmed. The warnings to allies indicate that regional governments are being asked to prepare for a possible escalation, but the final decision rests with Trump.

Any fresh strikes could trigger retaliatory attacks against US interests and regional infrastructure, potentially widening the conflict and further disrupting energy supplies. For now, diplomatic efforts continue alongside military preparations, leaving the region facing uncertainty over whether the coming days will bring renewed negotiations or another phase of fighting.