As Midterms Approach, Signs of Impending Return to Open Conflict With Iran

The U.S. military is building up strength for the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran after the midterm elections, multiple reports indicate, and American diplomats are warning the GCC states to get ready for a new wave of high operational tempo strikes.

As U.S. attacks are usually followed by Iranian retaliation in the form of missile and drone strikes, both from Iran itself and from its regional proxies, preparation also means reducing the risk of casualties. On Wednesday, Israeli media reported that the Pentagon is deploying a scarce Patriot air defense battery from Texas to Israel, continuing the U.S. effort to protect its closest Mideast ally from Iranian missiles. The Washington Post has reported that the U.S. Army and Navy have expended more air defense interceptors to defend Israeli airspace this year than the Israeli Defense Force has used itself, contributing to the global shortage of THAAD and SM-series air defense munitions.

The U.S. State Department and the Pentagon have also been drawing down non-essential personnel to reduce risk. The Department of State ordered the departure of most government employees and their families from Saudi Arabia earlier this month, responding to the ramp-up in Houthi missile strikes in the Kingdom. Quiet personnel withdrawals have also been reported at embassies and bases throughout the Gulf region - a demonstration of the lessons learned in the first phase of the conflict earlier this year, when Iranian attacks caused extensive damage to host-country base infrastructure and inflicted multiple casualties.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →