Iran fortifying nuclear sites; warns of land incursions into Gulf states if the US launches new strikes - report

Iran is fortifying its defenses, rallying loyalists and threatening a wider, harsher response against the US and its Gulf allies as it prepares for potential American attacks after the midterms, The Wall Street Journal reported. Iranian officials warned publicly and privately that Tehran will respond with further escalation across the Middle East if the US launches new strikes. People familiar with the warnings said some officials hinted that Iranian forces could conduct land incursions into neighboring countries. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said Sunday that Tehran could target the United Arab Emirates, as well as data centers and internet cables across the region. Tehran also warned Arab officials it could strike Saudi oil facilities, some of the people said. The US military is also gearing up. A third aircraft carrier strike group and another Marine expeditionary unit are heading to the Middle East. President Donald Trump ruled out an attack before the Nov. 3 midterms last week, but has publicly mulled hitting the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site, and US officials said the military is preparing a range of options for new strikes. At home, Iran is preparing the public for renewed war. Satellite images analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security showed Iran built makeshift dirt mounds last month around its Pickaxe Mountain and Natanz nuclear sites to impede any ground raid. Suggested articles Britain accuses Iran's IRGC of directing foiled RAF Fairford terror attack | Yuval Barnea After the deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia, Iran offers to open dialogue between Riyadh and the Houthis | i24NEWS Iran evades US sanctions to send Hezbollah $200 million - report | Yuval Barnea Brig. Gen. Gholamreza Jalali, who oversees contingency plans, said Iran’s airports, seaports and power plants “have prepared for wartime conditions.” Billboards in Tehran also advertise civilian courses in firing shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. Separately, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi had previously told Bloomberg Television that “there are some indications that there is movement around this construction site,” referring to Pickaxe Mountain, but added: “We don’t have any concrete information as to activities that may be taking place there,” Ynet reported, citing Bloomberg. Can Iran wait out Trump in the nuclear standoff?