US tells allies to prepare for possible new strikes on Iran after midterms

The United States has told several Middle East countries and regional allies to be prepared for possible renewed military action against Iran after next week's midterm elections, and for the possibility that Tehran will retaliate against them, according to two diplomats briefed on the matter.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to carry out new strikes, the diplomats said. He has repeatedly said he is weighing ordering new military action once the November 3 elections are over.

Officials have told regional allies that a new round of action could last several days, and that they should take precautionary measures in anticipation that Iran's response could include strikes on energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. Officials in the region are bracing for Iran and allied groups to retaliate, which could prolong any conflict.

The White House and US officials declined to comment.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X that Tehran "continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed" and is working with mediators to review ideas in a proposal it floated last month, which Trump rejected, and which Tehran still wants used as the basis for a return to a ceasefire.

The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry urged the sides to "exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions to help contain tensions" and prevent a return to full-scale operations in the war that began in late February.

(With inputs from PTI and media reports)