The United States has asked several Gulf Arab states to prepare for the possibility of a short, intense military campaign against Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3.
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According to reports citing people familiar with the talks, the message was conveyed through diplomatic and military channels.
The report said the move was a sign that the US and Israel were preparing new combat operations to weaken Iran and push Tehran back to the negotiating table.
The source said the US military was moving Patriot missile defense systems from Texas to the area and removing troops from bases deemed vulnerable.
US forces also restocked ammunition and prepared bombers and fighter jets.
An additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are expected to join the approximately 20 US warships already in the Middle East next month.
US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, but according to people familiar with his thinking, he is likely considering a major strike after the election that could target Iran's infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
The White House declined to comment on "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist."
"President Trump is maintaining all options to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon," the White House said.
At a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump said, "You'll see Iran in a couple of weeks, if you don't mind."
"We have destroyed Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity through Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury and defeated them militarily, financially, and otherwise. It will all be over soon," he said.
"This can end any time I want it to," Trump added.
Trump had previously said the US would not attack Iran before the midterm elections. However, on October 23, he again said the US might conduct another military operation against Iran.
The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks in the region and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
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