Trump Ready to Strike Iran After Election as Israel Raises Alert to Highest Level

Israel and the United States have raised their security coordination to the highest level as preparations are made for a possible escalation with Iran, according to the Israeli news website Walla [1]. The heightened alert coincides with the US midterm elections [1].

The United States has warned Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible "short, intense" military campaign against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported [3]. The warning reportedly came after the November 3 midterm elections [3]. Gulf states hosting US forces could be affected in such a campaign [3].

Washington and Israel are considering ways to increase pressure on Iran, from maritime campaigns to attempts at regime change, though any escalation carries the risk of provoking retaliation, according to a military briefing [2].

President Donald Trump has said he is considering a new military attack on Iran, and the White House has warned leaders in the Middle East to prepare for a US attack and for Iranian retaliation [4].

Iran said on Sunday that a new war with the United States could last longer than the previous round of fighting [5]. The warning came as Trump suggested Washington still had targets to strike [5]. Tehran threatened retaliation with no geographical limits, while diplomatic efforts continued to prevent a fresh escalation before Tuesday's US midterm elections [5].

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded by urging diplomacy and calling for continued talks to ease tensions over Iran's nuclear program [3]. Officials have not publicly confirmed the report of the warning to Gulf states, and the situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue [3].