US and Israeli militaries are preparing options for renewed strikes against Iran after the November midterm elections, although President Donald Trump has not publicly confirmed a final decision to resume attacks.
WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump has kept the possibility of renewed military action against Iran open, while reports indicate that American and Israeli military planners have prepared options for further strikes following the November midterm elections.
According to a report published by The Irish Times on October 22, citing US officials and people briefed on the discussions, the two militaries have developed plans for a short but intensive operation against Iran. The report said preparations included exercises involving aircraft over Iraq to practise strike manoeuvres.
However, no final decision to launch another attack has been publicly confirmed. Trump said earlier this month that the United States would not resume attacks before the November 3 midterm elections, while maintaining that Washington was engaged in discussions with Tehran.
US and Israeli militaries reportedly prepare strike options
The reported plans could involve Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities and missile and drone capabilities, according to officials cited by The Irish Times.
The report also said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel during the week to discuss possible renewed strikes.
Some officials reportedly believe another major round of attacks could increase economic pressure on Iran and push its leadership towards diplomatic concessions. These assessments reflect the views attributed to officials, rather than a confirmed outcome of any future operation.
The same report cautioned that renewed military action remained uncertain. Trump has previously rejected proposals to resume major combat operations, including a plan that was reportedly close to implementation earlier in October.
Trump raises possibility of targeting Iranian nuclear facility
In an interview with Newsmax reported by Reuters on October 16, Trump said the United States might need to strike Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified underground site associated with Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump said Washington wanted to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He also ruled out using a nuclear weapon in the conflict and reiterated that he was not considering deploying US ground troops into Iran.
His comments added to concerns that Washington could consider further attacks if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
The remarks did not amount to an announcement that an operation had been authorised. Reuters reported no specific launch date in its account of the interview.
Trump previously ruled out attacks before midterm elections
On October 8, Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 congressional elections, citing what he described as productive discussions with Tehran.
The statement followed reports that US military planners had been preparing options for a possible resumption of major combat operations. The White House has declined to discuss sensitive military planning in detail, while maintaining that the administration is keeping options available to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The distinction between preparation and authorisation is important: military contingency plans can be developed without a decision being made to carry them out.
Regional and economic risks remain significant
A renewed US-Israeli campaign could further destabilise the Middle East, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil and gas shipments.
Earlier phases of the conflict contributed to higher energy prices and inflation and placed pressure on military resources, according to reporting by The Irish Times. Any further escalation could therefore have implications beyond Iran, affecting regional security, shipping and international energy markets.
Iran has also warned that it is prepared to respond to another US attack. Reuters reported in September that Iranian military officials had expressed readiness for a renewed confrontation following disputes over proposals to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
