President Donald Trump’s administration has warned several Persian Gulf nations to prepare for the possibility of a major American military operation against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. The warning comes amid a significant buildup of American military capabilities in the Middle East, with

President Donald Trump’s administration has warned several Persian Gulf nations to prepare for the possibility of a major American military operation against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal.
The warning comes amid a significant buildup of American military capabilities in the Middle East, with Washington reportedly considering additional strikes against Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities.
According to the Journal’s October 28 investigation, American officials informed regional governments through diplomatic and military channels that renewed fighting could begin after the elections.
The potential operation was described as a short but intense campaign intended to weaken Iran’s remaining military capabilities and pressure Tehran into negotiations.
The report identified growing indications that American and Israeli forces are preparing for another round of combat operations.
However, Trump has not made a final decision to authorize the strikes.
The distinction is important because military preparations and diplomatic warnings do not necessarily mean an operation will occur.
The president retains the authority to evaluate military options, diplomatic developments, and intelligence assessments before deciding whether to order additional action.
The latest developments follow months of armed conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The current confrontation escalated dramatically on February 28, 2026, when American and Israeli forces launched military operations against Iranian targets.
Iran subsequently retaliated against American and Israeli interests, expanding the conflict across parts of the Middle East.
The fighting has placed significant pressure on regional governments, military installations, energy infrastructure, and international shipping routes.
Although diplomatic efforts produced temporary arrangements intended to reduce hostilities, major disagreements remain unresolved.
The Trump administration has continued pressing Iran over its nuclear program, missile capabilities, and regional military activities.
Washington has also maintained sanctions and maritime restrictions intended to limit Iran’s access to strategic resources and financial support.
The possibility of renewed military action comes as those economic and diplomatic measures have yet to produce a comprehensive settlement.
According to the Journal, military planners are examining options that could include attacks against Iranian infrastructure and nuclear-related targets.
The United States has also been moving personnel away from potentially vulnerable military installations.
That repositioning could reduce exposure to Iranian retaliatory strikes if the president authorizes another operation.
American commanders have also been working to replenish weapons expended during previous engagements.
The effort includes missile-defense interceptors and other precision-guided munitions required for offensive and defensive operations.
One reported measure involves additional Patriot missile defenses being transferred to Israel.
The deployment would strengthen Israel’s ability to intercept certain incoming missiles and other airborne threats.
The United States has also positioned additional naval forces in the region.
Those assets include warships capable of conducting missile strikes, supporting air operations, and defending against hostile aircraft or missiles.
Marine forces and supporting vessels have likewise been included in the military preparations described by regional reporting.
The combined deployments would give American commanders additional operational options if the administration decides to resume major combat operations.
Military readiness has become particularly important because Iran continues to possess significant missile capabilities despite damage sustained during earlier fighting.
Reports indicate that Iranian forces have been attempting to rebuild portions of their missile arsenal and air-defense infrastructure.
Those capabilities could allow Iran to retaliate against American installations, Israeli targets, or regional infrastructure if another round of attacks occurs.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the military conflict has already imposed substantial financial costs on the United States.
An estimate cited in the reporting placed American military expenditures associated with the eight-month conflict at approximately $47.1 billion.
A significant portion of those costs involved missiles and other advanced munitions used during combat operations.
Such expenditures demonstrate the importance of maintaining sufficient military inventories during extended regional conflicts.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has also been monitoring developments surrounding Iran’s nuclear facilities.
According to reporting cited by the Journal, the agency has not identified evidence that Iran has reconstructed certain nuclear facilities damaged during earlier operations.
However, inspectors continue to face restrictions that limit their ability to verify Iran’s complete nuclear-material stockpile.
That uncertainty remains an important consideration in American military and diplomatic planning.
Washington has demanded restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities as part of efforts to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
Iran continues to insist on its own conditions for ending the conflict and reaching a broader agreement.