US warns Gulf of intense strikes on Iran after midterms: Report

The US has warned several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military offensive against Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Wednesday. The warning sent by diplomatic and military channels is the latest indication that the US and Israel are preparing to launch another round of attacks against Iran, in an effort to weaken Tehran and force it to negotiations, according to WSJ's sources. US forces have been restocking their munitions in the region, and bomber aircraft and jet fighters are preparing for attacks, officials told the WSJ. The US military is moving a Patriot missile defence system from Texas to Israel to support defences, according to flight tracking data and two officials. The Patriot system includes radar equipment, missile launchers and interceptor missiles. Next month, an aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit will also join around 20 other warships operating in the Middle East, the report said. Read more: US warns Gulf of intense strikes on Iran after midterms: Report US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks during a roundtable discussion with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on 21 October 2026 (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)