Pentagon Instructs US Military to Prepare for Potential Iran Offensive

The U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, has reportedly issued directives to the U.S. military's Central Command to finalize preparations for a potential large-scale offensive against Iran. The instructions, which do not specify a start date, were issued days ago, according to Israeli Channel 12, citing American sources. While U.S. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision to resume hostilities, American and Israeli sources suggest that such action could occur before the U.S. midterm elections or even before Israel's 26th Knesset elections on September 27.

If launched, the offensive would involve intensive strikes targeting Iran's energy sector, infrastructure, and nuclear program, according to informed sources cited by the channel. The timing of an attack within the next three to four weeks could significantly impact the U.S. midterm elections, particularly due to anticipated fuel price increases. It could also affect Israeli elections, with Iran potentially launching ballistic missiles toward Israel.

The channel further reported that a new escalation or security emergency could politically benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as it would make it difficult for his opponents to attack him during the final stages of the election campaign. In "extreme" scenarios, such a situation could even lead to the postponement of the elections.

A senior White House official stated that "all options are available to President Trump at all times," noting that "America controls the Strait of Hormuz, and the Iranian economy is in a state of collapse."