US tells Middle East allies to prepare for several days of strikes on Iran after the midterm elections

United States officials have told regional allies that a new round of military action against Iran could last several days, according to Associated Press reporting carried by The Hindu. The sources said regional officials expect Iran and its allied armed groups to retaliate, which could extend the fight beyond what Washington plans. Russia's Kommersant, citing the same AP report, said the strikes could resume after the US midterm elections on November 3.

The warning matches earlier reporting. On October 22, the Times of Israel cited officials as saying that the United States and Israel had planned a "short but intensive operation" after the midterms. Possible targets included Iranian energy sites, nuclear facilities and missile and drone stockpiles. Officials also said President Donald Trump was reluctant to restart major combat and could be influenced by the election result. Trump himself denied reports that negotiations with Tehran had resumed and said recent contacts concerned only humanitarian aid and medicine supplies, Russia's BFM.ru reported.

Oil moved on each report. Brent futures rose above $116.50 early on Wednesday after a Wall Street Journal report that the administration was preparing a brief campaign after the vote, ZeroHedge noted. By Thursday, crude had fallen to about $113 as diplomatic talks outweighed concern about attacks on infrastructure, India's Economic Times reported. Earlier in the month, Trading Economics reported that Iran had tightened its control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Each actor has something to gain from these disclosures. A public timetable gives Washington leverage over Tehran while Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish envoys work on a regional framework. It also lets Gulf governments prepare their air defenses and energy facilities. Iranian state outlets in today's candidate set did not address the AP report.