US warns allies to brace for Iran strikes

U.S. officials have instructed several Middle East nations and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action against Iran. The warnings, conveyed by two diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also caution that Tehran may attempt to retaliate against these countries. The timing of these preparations is linked to the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for Nov. 3.

The war has already cost American taxpayers $47.1 billion, according to the latest estimate provided by the Pentagon to Congress. That financial burden has become a central issue for Republican candidates campaigning across the country. Rising gasoline prices, a byproduct of the conflict, have driven up costs across nearly every sector of the global economy, creating fatigue among voters.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to carry out new strikes, though he has repeatedly stated he is weighing the option. During a campaign stop in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump suggested a conclusive end to the eight-month-old conflict could arrive in a couple of weeks. He told the crowd that he would end the war whenever he wants, emphasizing that the end must be proper and include a total statement ensuring Iran never has a nuclear weapon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on Wednesday that Tehran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed. He said the country is working with mediators to review ideas from a proposal floated last month. Trump summarily rejected that proposal, but Araghchi indicated Iran still wants to use it as the basis for returning to a ceasefire.

The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry issued a statement urging the sides to exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions. The ministry aimed to help contain tensions and prevent a return to full-scale operations in the war that began in late February. The White House and U.S. officials declined to comment on the specific warnings sent to allies.

U.S. officials told regional allies that a new round of military action could last for several days. However, regional officials are bracing for retaliation from Iran and its proxy groups, which could extend the fight. Allies were also urged to take precautionary measures in anticipation of retaliatory strikes on energy facilities and other crucial infrastructure.

The Pentagon deployed the USS Theodore Roosevelt and a series of amphibious landing ships with Marines aboard from San Diego to the Persian Gulf late last month. This deployment brought roughly 9,000 troops to the region. One U.S. official noted that this move could lead to an unusually high naval presence of more than 20,000 sailors and Marines, along with hundreds of aircraft.

The Navy had three carrier strike groups in the Middle East in April for the first time since 2003. The situation in the region has become more complicated as the conflict has spread. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and airports, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to respond with deadly attacks on Houthi-held territory in Yemen.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the Pentagon’s top military planner late Wednesday. Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A defense official said there is no immediate replacement for Sylvia and no reason has been given for the firing.

Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the region is on edge that Tehran could do something provocative before the elections. He questioned why Iran would wait if they could initiate action and potentially gain the upper hand. It is unclear how soon after Election Day the U.S. military would be ready to potentially resume strikes.