U.S. warns Gulf states of possible strike on Iran after November 3 — WSJ

The United States has warned several Persian Gulf states of a possible "short, intense military campaign" against Iran following the midterm congressional elections on November 3, according to TASS citing The Wall Street Journal.

According to the publication, the Pentagon has already evacuated military personnel from Middle Eastern bases in the risk zone, American forces in the region are replenishing ammunition supplies, and bombers and fighter jets are preparing to carry out strikes.

According to WSJ sources, U.S. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on resuming military operations, but is leaning toward a major strike after the elections — possible targets named include Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.

The U.S. and Israel's war against Iran began on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon. On the night of July 8, the U.S. resumed large-scale strikes on Iran, accusing Tehran of violating agreements regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 25% of global oil trade and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade pass through the strait.

Subsequently, the American administration effectively signaled an abandonment of large-scale military force against Iran and refocused on economically strangling the country through sanctions.