US officials have told several Middle East countries and regional allies to be prepared for potential renewed military action against Iran after next week's midterm elections, as well as for the possibility that Iran retaliates against them, according to two diplomats briefed on the matter and quoted by the Associated Press. The diplomats spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the sensitive warnings, which were conveyed by US diplomats and defence officials.

What allies were warned about

Crucially, the same report stresses that President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to order new strikes — so this is a warning to prepare, not a confirmed plan to attack. According to the AP account, allies were told a renewed round of action could last several days, and were urged to take precautions against possible Iranian strikes on energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.

No decision reported

Regional officials fear that any Iranian response could prolong fighting beyond an initial operation. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported Gulf nations being briefed to expect a short, intense burst of strikes. The White House and US officials declined to comment on the AP report.

Diplomacy continues in parallel

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday, in a post on X, that Tehran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and is working with mediators on ideas drawn from a proposal floated last month. The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry urged the sides to exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions to prevent a return to full-scale operations in a war that began in late February. Readers should treat the post-election timing as the expectation reported by diplomats, not as an announced date for action.

Sources: Associated Press, New York Post (Wall Street Journal reporting).