The US military is moving a Patriot system from Texas to Middle East to beef up missile defenses and has moved troops off vulnerable bases in preparation for a potential new US strike against Iran, sources familiar with the matter said, The Wall Street Journal reports.

In addition, US forces in the region are restocking ammunition supplies, and bombers and fighter jets are ready to strike, the sources said.

They noted that next month, another aircraft carrier strike group and landing ships with a Marine expeditionary unit should join the group of about 20 American warships already in the Middle East.

The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, added that Washington has informed a number of Persian Gulf countries about preparations for short-term but intensive military operations against Iran after the November midterm elections in the US Congress.

According to the sources, among the possible targets are Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, as well as missile complexes and drones.