By Islam El-Sakka
President Donald Trump met with top military officials at the White House on Thursday to discuss options for Iran, as administration officials warned Gulf Arab states to prepare for a renewed military campaign after the November 3 midterm elections, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press.
The meeting included the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, Adm. Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. Trump and Cooper rarely meet in person, suggesting the session addressed significant potential military actions.
U.S. officials have told several Gulf nations to be ready for a short, intense campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites after the midterms. Diplomats emphasized that Trump has not made a final decision on new strikes.
The president has publicly hinted at resuming attacks, referring to the spring bombing campaign dubbed "Epic Fury." At a rally last week, Trump said, "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree." While campaigning, he has claimed the war will end soon but also threatened refreshed attacks after the election.
The conflict, now in its eighth month with an estimated $47 billion cost, has expanded to include Iran-backed Houthi rebels striking Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. The war remains at a standstill without a ceasefire.
Political reactions
Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, said he had been briefed on the war plan and called it "insane," warning it would not achieve objectives and would trigger a new cycle of escalation. Republican strategist Karl Rove predicted Trump would resume strikes post-election, citing the deployment of two aircraft carriers in the region with a third en route.
