WASHINGTON — The US has reportedly warned “several” Gulf Arab countries to brace for a brief revival of intense attacks on Iran following the Nov. 3 midterm election.
The heads-up comes as US forces in the region are already stocking up on munitions and preparing bombers and fighter jets for fresh strikes, in hopes of pushing Tehran toward negotiations, sources told the Wall Street Journal.
The military is also shipping an additional Patriot system to Israel to bolster its missile defenses, the outlet reported, citing flight-tracking data and two officials with knowledge of the shipment.
An F-35C Lightning II prepares to off from USS George Washington. US Central Command
An aerial view shows a campaign billboard depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, Monday, October 26, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
President Trump has publicly said that he may renew attacks on Iran following the election.
“We may do another little Epic Fury,” Trump said at a Friday rally in Fort Myers, Fla. “Or they’ll agree. If they’re smart, they’ll just say, let’s get down to business. But, you know, I doubt they’ll do that because perhaps they’re not smart.”
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier conducts flight operations in the Middle East. U.S. Navy
Flames burn at a facility belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco south of Riyadh, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
Trump and his senior aides and envoys have struggled for months to revive peace talks after a preliminary deal collapsed in July when Tehran resumed attacks on commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz.