The prospect of renewed U.S. strikes on Iran carries risks for regional infrastructure, after diplomats said allies were warned of retaliation and President Donald Trump had not decided whether to act.
The Associated Press (AP) reported Oct. 28 that two diplomats briefed on U.S. warnings said several Middle Eastern countries and regional allies had been told to prepare for possible U.S. action after Tuesday, Nov. 3, and a possible response from Iran. The diplomats said Trump had not made a final decision.
CNN’s Oct. 25 report, citing two U.S. officials, said forces could launch a major operation within 96 hours of a presidential order. The officials described a proposed operation extending beyond radars and launchers, which they said could be rebuilt quickly. CNN also reported that planning covered Iranian energy assets, military locations and nuclear sites. That reported window begins with an order, not with Election Day. AP said it could not establish how soon the military might be ready to strike again after the election, and reported that the United States had not struck Iran since early September.
In an Oct. 8 Truth Social post, Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the midterms. Asked on Oct. 28 about strikes afterward, he replied, “Anything’s possible,” Reuters reported.
Diplomacy was also underway. Axios reported Oct. 28 that regional mediators, with Qatar in the lead, were working to restart U.S.-Iran negotiations. Trump told Axios that mediators were carrying the discussions, though he was unsure they would succeed.
AP cited the latest Pentagon estimate sent to Congress, which put the war’s cost to U.S. taxpayers at $47.1 billion. The outlet also said higher fuel prices were making the midterm campaign harder for Republican candidates. Diplomats told AP that regional partners were warned Iranian retaliation could target energy sites and other infrastructure; the warning described a risk, not a confirmed attack.
A June agreement aimed to pause fighting for 60 days and open talks toward lasting peace, but it broke down within weeks as military action resumed and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz continued, AP reported. A U.S. Department of Defense fact sheet says U.S. Central Command began Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28 at Trump’s direction. The midterm elections are Tuesday, Nov. 3; no date has been announced for new strikes.
