US Warns Gulf States of Possible Iran Strikes After Midterms

The Trump administration has reportedly warned Gulf allies to prepare for a short, intense round of U.S. strikes on Iran as soon as Nov. 4, the day after the midterm elections, according to senior Gulf officials. Washington is also sending additional forces to the region. The U.S. has not struck Iran since Sept. 1, over six months into a war with Israel that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump has promised no new attacks before the midterms, while Iran threatens shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockades Iranian ports. A White House official declined to comment on sensitive military plans, saying Trump keeps options open to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Diplomacy remains possible, with Vice President JD Vance reportedly proposing talks and Qatari mediators offering a seven-day plan, while a third carrier strike group heads to the Middle East.