U.S. President Trump is preparing to resume strikes against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections, having deployed a third aircraft carrier strike group and 10,000 sailors and Marines to the Persian Gulf. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper visited Israel to meet with Netanyahu, while the State Department ordered the evacuation of some diplomatic personnel and their families from Saudi Arabia. Iran is planning retaliatory actions in the Middle East, with Foreign Minister Zarif stating that diplomatic progress is currently limited. The conflict is disrupting energy transport in the Gulf, driving Brent crude oil prices up over 80% this year, and impacting the Republican Party's midterm election prospects. (Bloomberg)
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