Trump Plans New Iran Strikes After Midterms, MS NOW Reports

Gulf allies have been told to prepare for a short, intense round of US strikes that could begin as early as November 4, according to MS NOW. The White House has declined to confirm the reported plans.

President Donald Trump's administration has briefed Gulf Arab allies to prepare for renewed strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, MS NOW reported on October 30, citing three senior Gulf Arab officials.

The officials, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the discussions, said an operation could begin as soon as November 4. Washington's regional partners are pressing to lower tensions, concerned about how Tehran would respond.

In an earlier Associated Press report, two diplomats briefed on US warnings said Trump had not made a final decision.

November 4 Marks the Earliest Reported Window

The timing would place renewed military action immediately after the congressional elections, following Trump's pledge to refrain from attacking Iran before the vote.

That commitment set a limit on when strikes could resume.

Speaking on October 30 to Kansas City radio station KCMO, Trump predicted that the conflict would end soon but offered no explanation of how he expected that to happen.

"It's going to get wrapped up soon," he said. "We need a guarantee there'll never be a nuclear weapon." Reuters reported the remarks.

White House Keeps Military Options Open

Asked about the reported preparations, a White House official told MS NOW that the administration would not discuss sensitive military plans or confirm whether they existed. The official reiterated that Trump was keeping his options open to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The Times of Israel, relaying the MS NOW report, said the United States had not struck Iran since September 1.

Gulf Allies Fear a Wider Conflict

For Gulf governments, the concern extends beyond the initial American strikes.

AP reported that Washington had warned partners to prepare for possible Iranian retaliation against energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. Its diplomatic sources said US action could last several days, while retaliation by Iran and its proxies could extend the fighting.

One Gulf official cited by MS NOW also raised the possibility that some regional governments could resist allowing American forces to launch strikes from bases on their territory.

Military Planning Continues Alongside Diplomacy

The latest report follows earlier accounts of preparations involving Israel. ABC News reported on October 22, citing two Israeli sources familiar with the plans, that US and Israeli forces had drawn up options for renewed joint strikes after the American elections.

Diplomatic contacts have also continued. Ynet reported on October 31 that Trump had told reporters at the White House the previous evening that talks were taking place.

"There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking. We have time, frankly," he said.