US and Israel are planning to hit Iran again once elections are over

Concerns have risen in the Gulf that the United States and Israel may resume military strikes against Iran. Potential targets likely include Iran’s missile and drone arsenal, nuclear facilities, and energy infrastructure, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. While US President Donald Trump stated on October 8 that he would not renew attacks against Iran before the US midterms, reports suggest both Washington and Israel are preparing for renewed operations.

The National Business and The National UAE report that two US aircraft carrier strike groups are currently in the region with another en route, and Israel has reportedly conducted a military sortie near the Iranian border. Additionally, the US State Department ordered families of non-emergency government employees to leave Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated this order was prompted by threats from Yemen’s Houthis regarding attacks on Saudi airports and critical sites, though another State Department representative noted that hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

The timing of potential escalation remains a point of discussion. Analysts cited by The Sydney Morning Herald suggest that the US midterms and general elections in Israel will dictate the next move. The National Business and The National UAE note that there are concerns strikes could occur even before Israel’s general election on October 27 and the US midterms on November 3.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Sydney Morning Herald, The National Business, The National UAE — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.