The United States (US) military is moving a Patriot air and missile defence system from Texas to the Middle East as Washington DC and Israel prepare for a possible new round of military operations against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, an international media outlet reported.
The system includes radar equipment, an engagement control station, missile launchers and interceptor missiles. The deployment is aimed at strengthening US air defences as Washington prepares for a possible escalation with Tehran.
The US is also relocating troops from military bases considered vulnerable to Iranian attacks, officials familiar with the movements told the international media outlet.
According to people briefed on the discussions, Washington is warning several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a short and intense military campaign against Iran following the midterm elections.
US forces are also replenishing their ammunition stockpiles, while officials are preparing bomber aircraft and fighter jets for possible strikes.
An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to join around 20 US warships already operating in the Middle East in November. However, some vessels may leave the region as part of routine rotations.
The latest preparations follow an earlier US decision to send a third aircraft carrier and additional Marines to the Middle East.
On October 1, a US official confirmed that the USS Theodore Roosevelt and additional Marine personnel were being deployed to the region, expanding Washington’s military options.
US President Donald Trump is weighing further military action against Iran, although he has not made a final decision on launching another campaign, the media outlet reported. Trump is reportedly leaning towards strikes against Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities, while a negotiated agreement remains possible.
Iran has threatened to widen its retaliation if the US and Israel resume attacks, warning that energy infrastructure, airports and other civilian facilities across the Persian Gulf could become targets.
Regional security concerns are also increasing following US intelligence warnings about Iranian plots targeting American officials and citizens. A US official confirmed on Friday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had received an intelligence memorandum warning that Iranian efforts to target Americans were intensifying.
Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly instructed Hezbollah to prepare for a possible renewed conflict. Two diplomatic sources said on October 15 that Tehran had warned the Lebanese group to increase its readiness ahead of potential further US military action.
The timing, scope and final decision about any renewed campaign remain uncertain.
