WASHINGTON - Iran has threatened oil facilities, undersea cables and data centers in Gulf countries if the United States and Israel launch renewed strikes, as Washington increases security measures in the region.
The warning follows reports that U.S. and Israeli military officials are considering options for a short, intensive operation after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. Potential targets reportedly include Iranian energy facilities, nuclear infrastructure and missile and drone stockpiles.
One possible nuclear target is the deeply buried Kuh-e Kolang complex, also known as Pickaxe Mountain. Some U.S. officials have said refineries and oil infrastructure could be excluded because President Donald Trump wants to prevent a further increase in gasoline prices.
No final decision to carry out an operation has been announced publicly. Trump previously said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 vote, but that statement did not amount to approval of a post-election strike.
Washington Orders Some Diplomats to Leave
The U.S. State Department has ordered some diplomats and family members to leave missions in Saudi Arabia and plans withdrawals from other U.S. missions in the region, Reuters reported. The decision followed deadly Houthi attacks on a civilian airport and an oil field in Saudi Arabia.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned that renewed attacks would prompt retaliation against oil installations, undersea communications cables and data centers across the Gulf, raising the risk that another military escalation could spread to civilian infrastructure.
Sources: Vesti Baku; The New York Times; Reuters; The Guardian.