US forces may resume large-scale strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterms, analysts say, citing military movements and regional warning signs.
Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution expects renewed action shortly after the vote. “I’m banking now on the likelihood of strikes shortly after the midterms,” Maloney said.
She cited more US military assets in the Middle East. She also pointed to warnings for Americans and heightened Israeli readiness.
President Donald Trump told journalists on Friday that Washington could end the conflict quickly. He questioned whether the United States should finish it or allow Iran to “wither”.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said a strike could come as soon as this weekend. Jason Campbell of the Middle East Institute also sees signs of possible renewed action.
He pointed to the planned deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Another Marine Expeditionary Unit is also due in the region.
Read: Israeli Jets Fly Near Iran Border in 800-Mile Operation
Those moves could briefly bring the number of US carrier strike groups there to three. Campbell cautioned that the timing remained impossible to predict. Neither country has carried out major attacks on land targets since early September.
Read: Iran Guard Cites Seven Hormuz Internet Cables in Warning
Campbell also argued that damage to US bases had made any ground operation harder. He said renewed air strikes similar to the early phase of the war would not change Iran’s strategic position.
Analysts see signs that the United States could resume major strikes on Iran, although they disagree on timing and doubt further escalation would end the conflict.
