Iran Warns 12 US Embassies on Alert as Trump Eyes Post-Election Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Iran threatens US assets and allies as Washington issues security alerts across the Middle East and prepares for possible military action after midterm elections.
Iran has warned that any country supporting the United States will be considered to be committing a "hostile act" against Tehran, as Washington issued urgent security alerts across 12 Middle Eastern countries and reports emerged that the US and Israel are preparing plans to strike Iran once elections are finished [269027][269160][269672].
A senior Iranian security official said Tehran considers a US-Israeli attack likely and will strike US political assets and infrastructure if war breaks out, describing Washington's naval blockade as a continuation of military aggression [267922]. Iran has also issued a direct warning to the United States and Israel, promising a "more severe" military response if attacks continue [265530].
The United States has issued a high-level security warning for its citizens in 12 Middle Eastern nations, citing increased risks of attacks targeting American interests. US embassies across the region released coordinated security alerts covering Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, advising citizens to stay vigilant and prepare for possible travel disruptions [269160].
According to reports, the United States and Israel are preparing plans to strike Iran again once elections are finished. Possible targets include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and its missile and drone arsenal. Analysts say the timing of any move will depend on two votes: the US midterm elections and Israel's general elections [269672].
Iranian officials say their goal is to keep the regime in power and to threaten enough regional costs to make a prolonged campaign unattractive, while US media reports indicate that President Trump is considering strikes after the midterms [268498].
A top US envoy said Washington is prepared for a long stand-off with Iran, warning Tehran that it must reach a "meaningful agreement" on its nuclear programme. Mike Waltz delivered the message as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high over Iran's nuclear activities, saying Washington wants a deal but is ready for a prolonged confrontation if one cannot be reached [269487].
Trump has also accused Iran of fabricating attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran is lying about vessels hitting mines or being struck by projectiles. According to Trump, Iran's goal is to drive up oil prices ahead of the midterm elections [268736].
The escalating rhetoric comes as ordinary Iranians continue to face pressure from both their own government's repression and Western sanctions that punish civilians rather than the regime.