President Donald Trump’s administration has notified several Arab nations in the Gulf region to prepare for a potential resumption of U.S. strikes against Iran following the midterm elections, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) citing multiple sources. This raises the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran after the elections scheduled for November 3.
According to the report, President Trump has yet to decide on resuming strikes targeting Iran's infrastructure and nuclear facilities. However, sources indicate that he is increasingly leaning toward this option. Currently, U.S. forces in the Middle East are reportedly replenishing ammunition in preparation for a potential resumption of air operations.
While President Trump has previously stated he would not strike Iran before the midterms, he has considered refraining from military action if ceasefire negotiations were possible. However, progress in talks mediated by other countries has been slow, leading to speculation that he may favor resuming strikes.
Should the U.S. resume strikes against Iran after the midterms, sources suggest that the approach would likely involve concentrated airstrikes in a short timeframe. The WSJ noted that the U.S. might aim to bring Iran back to the negotiating table through these strikes.
Last week, during a campaign rally ahead of the midterms, President Trump remarked, "We may execute a small form of 'great anger' again, or they (Iran) can agree to a ceasefire." 'Great anger' refers to the operation name under which the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes against Iran in late February.
In the lead-up to the midterms, President Trump has sought to mitigate public discontent over rising oil prices linked to the Iran conflict by opting for economic sanctions and maritime blockades instead of military operations.
However, Iran has indicated it would respond if the U.S. undertakes military action, raising doubts about the effectiveness of any strikes. Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at the Israel National Security Studies Institute (INSS) and a former Israeli military intelligence officer, told the WSJ, "One of the major mistakes made by Israel and the U.S. is believing that additional strikes against Iran will topple the regime by targeting key infrastructure and high-ranking officials." He added that further U.S. strikes could lead Iran to intensify its missile and nuclear development programs.
Meanwhile, there are predictions that President Trump may declare victory and withdraw from Iran after conducting significant bombing operations following the midterms. Seth Jones, director of the Defense and Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), stated, "Nothing can permanently stop their (Iran's) nuclear program," but if additional strikes occur, President Trump could claim he has successfully curtailed Iran's nuclear ambitions as he begins to withdraw.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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