The US is preparing for a possible attack against Iran - report.

The US is preparing for a possible attack against Iran - report.

The USS George Washington's strike group in the Arabian Sea has loaded large shipments of land-attack missiles and bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate fortified underground targets, the Wall St. Journal reports. The preparations follow reports that the US and Israeli militaries have drawn up plans for a short but more intense campaign against Iran after the November midterms, which could target Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear sites and missile and UAV stockpiles. Meanwhile, the State Department has begun drawing down personnel at four embassies in the region. Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates - citing an increased threat environment. Non-essential staff and families ordered out of Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The pattern is consistent with preparing for the worst case scenario. Embassies are thinning out their footprints to minimize exposure should retaliation come, while the military is deploying the ammunition it will need if the order to strike is given. Iran has previously warned that any renewed attack by the US or Israel would result in retaliation against US bases, warships and Gulf infrastructure, and has reportedly made plans to target undersea communications cables.