US warns Gulf allies of short Iran strike after midterms

Summary

The United States has warned Gulf states to prepare for a short, intense military campaign against Iran after the 3 November midterm elections, and Iran has rejected a Qatari proposal to end the war as unacceptable, narrowing the path back to talks.⁠12

CNN, citing US officials, reports that American forces could begin a large-scale operation within four days of Trump's approval.⁠3

In Israel, the election left neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with a majority, and a report says his caretaker role would not rule out military action against Iran.⁠4

In Spain, two high-speed trains collided on the Madrid-Andalusia line, killing at least 68 people, and the government declared three days of national mourning.⁠5

In Africa, Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC warned that the Ebola outbreak could reach the UK and other countries unless more funding is secured for preparedness and treatment.⁠6

The next decision to watch is whether Trump orders the operation, which US forces are reportedly ready to launch within four days, a choice that will determine whether the United States and Iran return to talks or move toward renewed strikes.⁠3