Pentagon spends $47.1 billion as US warns allies to brace for post-election Iran strikes

The United States is positioning its military assets in the Persian Gulf while urging regional partners to prepare for a potential resumption of hostilities against Iran. This buildup occurs as the White House signals that a decision on new strikes may be made immediately after the November 3 midterm elections.

Two diplomats briefed on the matter stated that U.S. officials have told several Middle East countries to expect renewed military action. The warnings also included preparations for Iranian retaliation, which regional officials believe could target energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. The diplomats spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive communications. The White House and U.S. officials declined to comment on the reports.

The cost of the current conflict has reached $47.1 billion, according to the latest estimate the Pentagon provided to Congress. This figure reflects the financial strain on American taxpayers as the war enters its eighth month. The conflict has also driven up global costs, contributing to rising gasoline prices that are weighing on Republican candidates during their campaign stops.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on launching new strikes, but he has repeatedly stated he is weighing the option once the elections conclude. During a campaign stop in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump suggested a conclusive end to the conflict could occur in a couple of weeks. He told voters that the war will end when he decides, emphasizing the need for a total statement that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Military preparations have intensified in recent weeks. The Pentagon deployed the USS Theodore Roosevelt and amphibious landing ships from San Diego to the Persian Gulf late last month. This deployment brought roughly 9,000 troops to the region. One U.S. official noted that this move could result in a naval presence of more than 20,000 sailors and Marines, along with hundreds of aircraft. Such a concentration of force has occurred only a handful of times in the last two decades. The Navy last had three carrier strike groups in the Middle East in April 2003.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the military buildup. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on Wednesday that Tehran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed. He said Iran is working with mediators to review ideas from a proposal floated last month, which Trump summarily rejected but which Tehran still views as a basis for a ceasefire. The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry issued a statement urging all sides to exercise wisdom and pursue political solutions to contain tensions and prevent a return to full-scale operations.

The regional situation has become more complicated since the U.S. stopped striking Iran in early September. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and airports. A Saudi-led coalition has responded with deadly attacks on Houthi-held territory in Yemen. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that Tehran might act before the U.S. elections to gain the upper hand. He questioned why Iran would wait if they could initiate action now.

Personnel changes at the Pentagon add to the uncertainty. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, late Wednesday. A defense official said there is no immediate replacement for Sylvia and no reason was given for the dismissal. It remains unclear how soon the U.S. military will be ready to resume strikes after Election Day.