Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The United States has communicated with several Gulf countries to warn them of a possible brief, intense military campaign against Iran after the US midterm elections, according to people briefed on the discussions, according to the Wall Street Journal. These communications, made through diplomatic and military channels, are among growing signs that the United States and Israel are preparing to launch a new round of heavy military operations against Iran.
The U.S. military is sending an additional Patriot system from Texas to Israel to strengthen the country's missile defenses, the Journal reports, citing flight tracking data and two officials familiar with the matter. The United States has also relocated units, moving them from bases in the Middle East where they were most vulnerable, in preparation for an escalation.
U.S. forces in the region are replenishing their ammunition, and bombers and fighters are preparing for strikes, officials cited by the U.S. newspaper also said. An additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are poised to join a fleet of approximately 20 other warships operating in the Middle East next month, although some vessels may be involved in a rotation.
President Trump has not yet made a final decision, but he is leaning toward a major post-election strike that could target Iranian nuclear infrastructure and sites, according to people close to the president.
The alternative would be to attempt to reach an agreement. Diplomatic efforts by regional mediators have continued, but have not yet borne fruit, the newspaper emphasizes. The White House has stated that it will not comment on "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist." "President Trump is keeping all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon," it stated.
The moves and related planning are intended to provide Trump with options should he decide to launch an attack, people familiar with the planning have stressed. The Department of Defense has stated that its role is precisely to provide such options. Israel has also prepared plans and targets for a new attack, as the Journal reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to push for a resumption of strikes, hoping to wear down Iran's strength and ultimately overthrow the regime.
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