US Moves Patriot Missile Defense System to Middle East as Iran Strike Preparations Reported

The United States military is relocating a Patriot air and missile defense system from Texas to the Middle East as Washington and Israel get ready for a possible new round of heavy combat operations against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The operations would come after the November 3 midterm elections.

The Patriot system consists of radar equipment, an engagement control station, missile launchers and interceptor missiles. It is being sent to bolster American defenses in case the situation escalates. Officials familiar with the movements also told the newspaper that US troops have been moved away from bases considered vulnerable to Iranian attacks.

According to people briefed on the conversations, Washington has warned several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a short, intense military campaign against Iran once the midterms are over. US forces are also said to be replenishing their munitions stockpiles, and officials said bomber aircraft and fighter jets are being readied for possible strikes.

The naval presence is set to grow as well. An additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to join roughly 20 US warships in the Middle East in November, though some vessels could rotate out of the region. The move follows an earlier decision to send a third aircraft carrier and more Marines. A US official said on October 1 that the USS Theodore Roosevelt and additional Marine personnel were being deployed, widening Washington's military options.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on launching another campaign, the Journal reported. He is said to be leaning toward strikes on Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities, but a negotiated agreement remains possible.

Iran, for its part, has threatened to widen its retaliation if the US and Israel resume attacks. Its threats include targeting energy infrastructure, airports and other civilian facilities across the Persian Gulf.

Security concerns have also been fueled by US intelligence warnings of Iranian plots against 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 had intensified.

Tehran has reportedly told Hezbollah to prepare for renewed conflict as well. Two diplomatic sources said on October 15 that Iran had urged the Lebanese group to raise its readiness in anticipation of further American military action.

The timing, scope and final decision on any renewed military campaign remain uncertain.