The US has reportedly told several Gulf nations to prepare for a short but intense military campaign against Iran following next week's midterm elections. The Wall Street Journal has reported indications that the US and Israel are preparing to launch a fresh assault against Iran, risking a major escalation in hopes of degrading Tehran's strength and pushing it toward negotiations.
This comes as Americans prepare to cast their vote on November 3, which could threaten a shake-up for the Trump government.
US sends Patriot system to Israel
The US is sending an additional Patriot system to Israel to ramp up its missile defences in the country, according to flight tracking data and two officials with knowledge of the movement. It has also moved troops off bases in the Middle East where they were vulnerable in preparation for an escalation, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Israel also has prepared plans and targets for a new attack, according to the newspaper. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has advocated for strikes to degrade Iran's strength and toppling the regime.
Trump leans toward post-election attack
US President Donald Trump has not decided to go ahead but is leaning toward a large post-election attack, people familiar with his thinking said. An attack could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites.
"We may do another little Epic Fury," Mr Trump said at a rally last week, referring to the heavy US and Israeli campaign in February that sparked the conflict.
The White House said it would not comment on "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist." It added: "President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."
Analysts doubt Iran will concede
Many analysts believe Iran is not likely to concede under further attacks. The country, which sustained over 20,000 strikes by the US and Israel during the most active phase of the war, managed to attack ships in the Persian Gulf, targeted US troops and warships and brought demands to the negotiation table.
"I believe one of the biggest mistakes Israel and the United States continue to make is assuming that another round of strikes against Iran, including attacks on critical infrastructure or the elimination of senior officials, could somehow bring down the regime," said Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence official.
Mr Trump has said he will not attack Iran before the midterms.
