Would an Iranian preemptive strike ignite a wide regional war?

Military and strategic expert Brigadier General Elias Hanna warned that an Iranian preemptive strike against U.S. forces or Israel could bring serious military consequences for Iran, at a time when Washington is reinforcing its forces in the region and studying options for strikes that could target missile and drone capabilities and leaders of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Hanna said that intensifying the naval blockade and sanctions, if their effects show in Iran's internal situation, could push Tehran toward a broad escalation that might extend to Israel and Jordan and affect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the U.S. buildup gives Washington options combining pressure, deterrence and preparation for military action. U.S. President Donald Trump said his country will not attack Iran before the congressional midterm elections on November 3, while an Iranian army spokesman said a week earlier that his country might carry out a preemptive strike if it senses an imminent attack.