The US is moving a Patriot air-defense battery from Texas to the Middle East • Troops are being pulled from bases exposed to Iranian fire | Gulf states were told to prepare for a short, intense campaign after the midterms (Middle East)
The US military is transferring a Patriot air-defense battery from Texas to the Middle East and pulling troops out of bases considered vulnerable to Iranian attack. The Wall Street Journal reported the moves as Washington prepares for a possible campaign against Iran after next week's US midterm elections.
The battery is intended to bolster defenses against potential Iranian missile fire. Separate flight-tracking data has been cited as indicating that the system is bound for Israel.
Washington has also told several Arab Gulf states to prepare for a short but intense military operation against Iran. Those messages went through both diplomatic and military channels.
The buildup extends beyond air defense. Ynet reported that American units in the region have replenished their ammunition stocks, and that US bombers and fighter jets are being readied for potential strikes. An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine Corps expeditionary force are expected next month. They would join roughly 20 US warships already in Middle Eastern waters, although some of the incoming vessels may replace ships already deployed rather than add to the total.
President Donald Trump has not made a final decision. He is leaning toward a broad operation, with Iranian nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure among the potential targets. A negotiated deal with Tehran remains the alternative. Regional mediators are still trying to head off another confrontation, but those talks have not yet produced a breakthrough.
The White House declined to say whether an offensive is being planned. It stated that it would not discuss "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist." It added that "President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."
The Pentagon has drawn up several possible operations against Iran that could be launched after the November 3 midterms. According to a source familiar with the planning, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which runs American military operations across the Middle East, has prepared additional strike options that could be executed with Trump's approval. A second source said CENTCOM had developed multiple scenarios for review by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened his election-night address early Wednesday by speaking about Iran. His Likud party remained the largest in the Knesset, but his right-wing bloc appeared to have lost significant ground.
"We have brought the Iranian regime to the brink of collapse. And yet I tell you, this is still not over," Netanyahu said. "We have the power, together with our wonderful friend President Trump, to remove this threat once and for all."
His main rival, Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, had called on him to resign on Tuesday night. Eisenkot warned him: "Do not dare use Israel's security for your political purposes."
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