[Bloomberg: Trump Prepares for Potential Escalation of Military Action Against Iran After US-Israeli Elections] BlockBeats reported on October 24th, citing Bloomberg, that the US is increasing its deployment in preparation for a possible resumption of military strikes against Iran. Trump has repeatedly hinted that the US military might resume strikes against Iran after the November 3rd US midterm elections, and has already deployed a third carrier strike group and an additional 10,000 sailors and marines to the Persian Gulf, providing commanders with more operational options, but the specific timing remains uncertain. US Defense Secretary Hergsays visited Israel this week without prior notice, meeting with Netanyahu. Israel will hold elections on October 27th. Meanwhile, after the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels expanded the conflict into Saudi Arabia, attacking airports and energy facilities, the US State Department ordered the evacuation of some diplomatic personnel and their families from Saudi Arabia. A source familiar with Iranian thinking stated that Iran is preparing for a new round of bombings that may occur around the time of the US midterm elections and is planning retaliatory actions in the Middle East, including against Israel and the UAE. This person believes that the period between the US election and the inauguration of the new Congress in January will be the most difficult, and the way out lies in reaching an agreement that both sides can claim victory. Some Gulf state officials worry that the intensity of the renewed conflict could exceed that before the suspension. Recent diplomatic attempts to end the conflict have failed. Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi stated this week that Iran is willing to give diplomacy another chance if there is sufficient evidence that the US genuinely wants a fair, decent, and permanent solution to the conflict, but he also said there is little reason to expect progress at present. The conflict has disrupted energy transport in the Persian Gulf, pushing Brent crude oil prices up by more than 80% this year and driving up US gasoline prices and the cost of living. A Pew Research Center survey conducted from September 28 to October 4 showed that about two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the conflict with Iran, and about half of respondents expect the war to continue for more than a year. The report points out that concerns about military escalation are again pushing up oil prices and affecting the Republican Party's midterm election prospects. [Original Link]