US warns allies of potential Iran strikes after midterms

US warns allies to prepare for possible Iran strikes after midterm elections

Updated / Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 06:41

Getty

US officials have told several Middle East countries and regional allies to be prepared for potential renewed military action against Iran after next week's US midterm elections.

Two diplomats briefed on the matter also urged them to be prepared for the possibility Iran will attempt to retaliate against them.

Both of the diplomats spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment about the sensitive warnings conveyed by US diplomats and defence officials.

US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to carry out new strikes against Iran, the diplomats stressed.

The president, however, has repeatedly said that he is weighing ordering new military action once the critical 3 November elections in the United States are over.

Those threats and the fresh US urgings for allies to prepare for potential retaliation are putting the region on alert that a return to major operations could now be on the horizon.

The White House and US officials declined to comment.

---

Read more:

Latest Middle East stories

---

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said yesterday on social media that Tehran "continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed" and is working with mediators to review ideas that Tehran included in a proposal floated last month - summarily rejected by Mr Trump - that the Iranians still want to see used as the basis to return to a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging the sides to "exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions to help contain tensions" and prevent a return to full-scale operations in the war that began in late February.

The US has told regional allies that the new round of military action could last for several days, but regional officials are bracing for Iran and its proxy groups to retaliate - leading to a fight that could last even longer, the diplomats said.

The allies have also been urged by US officials to take precautionary measures in anticipation that Iran's response will include retaliatory strikes on energy facilities and other crucial infrastructure.