Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy is sounding the alarm over what he says is a Trump administration plan to restart the war with Iran once the midterm elections are over. In a post on X, Murphy said he could not share details, but he called the plan "insane." He warned that it would lead to devastating escalation and likely damage America's commitment to the rule of law. Murphy has been one of the loudest congressional critics of the war, and his claims come from his own account of what he has been briefed on. They have not been independently confirmed.

The warning comes as U.S. officials are reportedly telling Middle Eastern allies to prepare for possible new American strikes and Iranian retaliation. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the administration has warned Gulf partners of a possible short, intense renewal of the conflict after the vote. According to officials quoted in that reporting, the options under discussion include Iran's nuclear sites and civilian infrastructure. President Trump has apparently not made a final decision, and military planners have been asked to develop options, which does not mean any will be used. With Election Day only days away, the big questions are whether the war will really resume and what it would mean for the region, for oil markets and for U.S. troops.