Iran has warned that it could expand a conflict with the United States beyond its borders, including possible ground operations in neighboring countries, if Washington launches another round of military strikes, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with messages delivered by Tehran. The warnings appear intended to discourage the Trump administration from resuming attacks following the November 3 midterm elections.

According to the report, Iranian officials have suggested that Iranian forces could enter neighboring countries as part of a broader military response. The officials did not identify which countries might face ground incursions. Tehran has also privately cautioned Arab governments that renewed hostilities could lead to attacks on Saudi oil installations and other critical infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.

Iranian national security official Mohsen Rezaei warned Sunday that the United Arab Emirates could also become a target, despite having largely avoided attacks since late spring. He additionally threatened regional data centers and internet cables. Separately, Iranian officials reportedly told mediators that Tehran could escalate attacks against American forces, potentially including efforts to sink US warships operating in the Middle East and kill their crews, according to people familiar with the warnings cited by the Journal.

The warnings come amid a growing wave of regional violence. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that at least three commercial vessels were hit over the weekend in and around the Strait of Hormuz. An attack by a drone also ignited an Emirati tanker near Oman, leaving two Indian sailors missing. Meanwhile, a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday reportedly killed at least 13 people and injured hundreds more.

Washington is meanwhile strengthening its military posture in anticipation of a possible return to hostilities. A third US aircraft carrier strike group and an additional Marine expeditionary unit are heading toward the Middle East. The Pentagon is also weighing the deployment of more air-defense systems and ammunition to bases in the region. President Donald Trump has ruled out attacking Iran before the midterm elections, although he has openly discussed striking Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility.

The Journal also reported that the Pentagon relocated approximately 12 B-1 bombers from a British military base last week amid concerns that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was preparing a drone attack. Iranian missiles had previously come close to US warships during attacks in September, underscoring the potential danger to American forces stationed throughout the region.

At the same time, Iran has taken advantage of the relative lull in direct fighting to restore missile and drone manufacturing capacity, replenish its weapons stockpiles and strengthen defenses around sensitive locations. Satellite images reviewed by the Institute for Science and International Security show recently constructed earthen barriers around the Pickaxe Mountain and Natanz nuclear facilities. The barriers appear designed to make potential ground raids more difficult.

Tehran’s preparations also include efforts to mobilize public support and promote civilian participation in national defense. State media has increased its coverage of pro-government demonstrations, while billboards in the capital advertise civilian instruction in shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles and sniper rifles. The Revolutionary Guard has publicized training exercises involving female commando units. In another initiative, personnel visited a kindergarten in Sabzevar, where they described their wartime experiences and displayed what they identified as a neutralized American Tomahawk missile.

Despite these preparations, the Journal reported that Iran remains limited in its ability to defend against advanced US aircraft and cruise missiles. Threatening to widen any conflict across the region has therefore become a central part of Tehran’s deterrence strategy. Iran appears to be pursuing two objectives simultaneously: persuading Washington to refrain from renewed military action while preparing for the possibility of a confrontation that could spread well beyond its own territory.