The United States has warned its allies in the Middle East about the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran following the upcoming U.S. midterm congressional elections next week, and has urged them to prepare for a potential response from Tehran.
The Associated Press, citing U.S. diplomats, reported that Washington informed regional countries of the possibility of attacks on Iran and the response it might issue, noting that potential attacks could last for several days. The United States has urged its allies to take necessary precautions, given the possibility that Iran will target energy facilities and critical infrastructure in its retaliatory operations.
Repeated warnings
The two diplomats pointed out that U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding launching new attacks on Iran, according to the Associated Press. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that the United States warned Gulf countries of the need to prepare for the possibility of military escalation with Iran.
Military reinforcements
Trump has focused in recent weeks on election campaigns for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, without providing a clear explanation of his next steps regarding Iran. In late September last year, the Pentagon sent the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and amphibious ships carrying Marines from San Diego to the Gulf.
The reinforcements included sending approximately 9,000 soldiers to the region, while the U.S. Navy deployed three aircraft carriers in the Middle East simultaneously in April for the first time since 2003. The United States and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, before reaching a ceasefire agreement last April.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
On June 18, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation stalled due to disagreements concerning the security of the strait.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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