US prepares allies for possible new Iran strikes after midterms
The CENTCOM chief has presented Trump with military options. Trump said he approved Vance's letter to Tehran, saying it concerned medical supplies. No final decision has been made.
Archive image · Photo: Daniel Torok / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (cropped and resized)
US officials have told Gulf states and other regional allies to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections – and for possible Iranian retaliation. The Times of Israel reported this, citing reports that the head of US Central Command presented military options to President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump has not made a final decision. According to Axios, US and Israeli officials consider renewed bombing likely if no deal is reached by then.
Meanwhile, Qatar-led regional mediators are seeking a deal under which Iran would allow UN inspectors into its bombed nuclear sites in exchange for sanctions relief. Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, to revive peace talks. Trump said he approved the outreach, saying Iran "need[s] help with medical supplies".
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Joint Staff's top strategy and plans officer, without explanation. The dismissal comes as Trump weighs new strikes in a war now in its eighth month. No successor has been named.