Leading up to the US midterm elections, increased US military deployments and statements from President Trump fueled speculation about a potential conflict with Iran. The US conducted a bombing raid on an Iranian island shortly before the elections.
A Democratic US Senator, Chris Murphy, described classified briefings on military options for a renewed war with Iran as “insane” and warned of “devastating escalation.” There has been speculation about plans to bomb civilian infrastructure, which could constitute a war crime and provoke Iranian retaliation against US allies in the Gulf, potentially including the United Arab Emirates.
Iran’s government closely monitors US political developments and has expressed satisfaction that the consequences of its actions in the Strait of Hormuz have become a domestic US political issue. Tehran recognizes the damage caused to Trump and the Republicans by rising prices attributed to the conflict and attacks on shipping.
The Speaker of Iran’s parliament issued a social media warning, stating that Americans had rejected war and that any betrayal of public will would be met with a “Nightmare.” Meanwhile, Israel’s acting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly is urging Trump to initiate a war with Iran, potentially to consolidate his political position.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
