U.S. officials have warned Middle Eastern allies to prepare for potential strikes against Iran and severe retaliatory attacks on regional infrastructure following next week’s elections, even as President Trump weighs his final decision amid diplomatic efforts and military preparations.
WASHINGTON — U.S. diplomats and defense officials have advised key Middle Eastern allies to prepare for potential renewed military operations against Iran following next week’s elections, according to two regional diplomats familiar with the briefings.
The warnings also stressed that partners in the region should brace for retaliatory attacks from Tehran, which could target critical infrastructure and energy facilities. Both diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive, closed-door security consultations.
While President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision, he has repeatedly signaled that major military action remains on the table once voting concludes on November 3. The outreach has placed the region on high alert for a possible escalation in a conflict that began in late February.
The White House and the Pentagon declined to comment.
A Fragile Window for Diplomacy
Responding to the rising tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that Tehran “continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed.” Araghchi noted that Iran is coordinating with international mediators to revisit terms from a proposal introduced last month—a framework previously dismissed by Trump—in hopes of establishing a durable ceasefire.
Simultaneously, the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an appeal for restraint, urging all parties to “exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions to help contain tensions” and prevent a slide back into full-scale regional conflict.
U.S. officials indicated that any initial strike campaign could span several days. However, regional governments fear that retaliatory measures by Iran and its network of proxy forces could trigger a far more prolonged engagement, especially if oil and energy hubs across the Persian Gulf are targeted.
Military Posture and Pentagon Shake-Up
The warnings follow an ongoing expansion of the conflict. Iranian-aligned Houthi forces have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and airports, drawing retaliatory strikes across Yemen from a Saudi-led coalition.
To reinforce deterrence and readiness, the Pentagon deployed the USS Theodore Roosevelt alongside an amphibious ready group carrying approximately 9,000 Marines from San Diego to the Persian Gulf late last month. This deployment pushed the U.S. naval footprint above 20,000 sailors and Marines, accompanied by hundreds of aircraft—a force posture seen only a few times over the past two decades.
Amid the military buildup, high-level leadership shifts have surfaced within the Defense Department:
- Strategic Personnel Change: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Joint Chiefs of Staff director for strategy, plans, and policy.
- No Successor Named: A defense official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the removal but noted that no immediate replacement was named, nor was an official explanation provided.
Political Stakes and Economic Fallout
On the campaign trail, Trump has struck a dual tone: reassuring voters weary of soaring fuel prices that the conflict is near its conclusion, while simultaneously asserting that decisive strikes remain imminent.
The economic and fiscal toll of the campaign has loomed large over midterm races:
- Federal Spending: Pentagon estimates provided to Congress indicate the conflict has cost American taxpayers roughly $47.1 billion to date.
- Economic Ripple Effects: Elevated energy prices continue to strain household budgets and drive up costs across global supply chains.
Speaking Tuesday at a campaign event in Lubbock, Texas, Trump hinted that a conclusion could arrive “in a couple of weeks.”
“Somebody asked me before, when will the war in Iran end?” Trump told attendees. “I said, ‘Whenever I want it to end.’ It’ll be very quick, but we have to have it end properly, with total and complete — a total statement, they will never have a nuclear weapon.”
