Gulf allies brace for US strikes on Iran and retaliation

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that US Gulf Arab allies are preparing for heavy American strikes against Iran, which they believe could trigger major Iranian retaliation against infrastructure in the region. The governments reportedly expect US attacks as early as this week, after President Trump said he was considering restarting the bombing campaign following Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The reported preparations reflect concern among Gulf states that they could face consequences even if they are not direct participants in the operation. Their exposure would run through infrastructure, military facilities and regional transport routes that Iran could target in response to US action.

The report connects Washington’s possible decision to the Gulf governments that host US forces and energy infrastructure, and to Iran as the potential retaliatory actor. The immediate timing is tied to the US political calendar, with the strikes reportedly possible after the midterm elections.

The account remains contingent on a decision that President Trump is still considering, and the timing and scale of any operation are not established. The central open questions are whether strikes begin this week, what targets are selected and whether Iranian retaliation reaches Gulf infrastructure or shipping.

Energy-market reaction, the status of US military installations and any official statements from Washington, Tehran or Gulf governments would provide the next dated evidence of how far the confrontation is spreading.