The United States is planning a possible escalation of war in the Middle East and is preparing to strike the Houthis and Iranian allies in Iraq and Syria.

"Anthony Blinken has begun his fourth diplomatic trip to the Middle East in three months as part of the Biden administration's efforts to defuse tensions in the region," the Middle East newspaper reported.

"Recently, tensions have escalated significantly due to clashes between US-backed Israel on the one hand and Iranian-allied groups on the other," it said.

"Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue along the Blue Line, Yemeni Houthis continue to attack merchant ships and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, as well as Israeli and US attacks in Iraq and Syria, deepening the risk of conflict in the region, which is likely to attract the United States" added.

Four US officials, including a senior Biden administration official, said there were internal discussions about scenarios that could lead the United States to another war in the Middle East.

"The United States is planning to counter the Iranian-backed Houthis in an attempt to stop their attacks in the Red Sea," it said.

"The expected US response is to launch air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen," the newspaper said.

"We are preparing to prevent expected attacks against US interests by Iranian-allied groups in Iraq and Syria," an intelligence official said.