Report: Israel Planned Iran Strikes, Trump Blocked Attack Before Midterms

Israel's military prepared for a multi-day conflict with Iran approximately a week and a half ago, targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants and nuclear facilities, according to a report by the Financial Times. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pushed for the plan, but President Donald Trump ultimately blocked it, unwilling to restart hostilities before the US midterm elections.

The strikes were reportedly planned for the weekend of October 10 and were intended to be more intense than previous operations. Sources familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that the US and Israel might still resume conflict with Iran in the coming weeks, with one stating, "There will be a deal or an attack." Israel had allegedly compiled a new list of targets, including previously unattacked civilian sites. Another source suggested the plan was a tactic to pressure Iran during negotiations, which are currently stalled.

Around the time Netanyahu wanted to strike, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that "productive conversations" were underway with Iran and that the US would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, vowing Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons. Deputy White House Spokesperson Anna Kli confirmed to the Financial Times that Iran was in a "very bad" economic and military state and that the US would not attack before the midterms.

Despite this, the IDF remained on high alert for several weeks. On Monday, the military announced a freeze on all unit leaves starting the next day, in anticipation of Tuesday's elections. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the IDF's mission to ensure the democratic elections proceed safely and on schedule, while maintaining a high state of readiness across all fronts.

Ron Ben Yishai, the outlet's military and security affairs correspondent, recalled a New York Times report that the Pentagon had presented Trump and his aides with five potential aerial operation plans against Iran and the Houthis in Yemen in recent months. These plans, reportedly developed with the Israeli Air Force, envisioned a short but powerful three-day operation targeting ballistic missile systems, drones, energy facilities, and Revolutionary Guard Corps command centers. Sources indicate Trump seriously considered these plans, discussing them with Netanyahu, and the IDF was put on immediate standby for a potential escalation with Iran.

Ultimately, Trump decided against action. According to informed sources, a primary reason was that the operational plans developed by CENTCOM and the IDF did not guarantee a significantly different outcome than previous operations. In early October, senior White House officials, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, reviewed these plans at Camp David but were reportedly unenthusiastic, believing aerial strikes would not topple the Iranian regime or alter its stance. They may have also considered CENTCOM's unsuccessful attempt to subdue the Houthis in Yemen in March 2025 and the Revolutionary Guard's threats of retaliation, which could target oil and gas facilities in US allied nations, cause significant damage in Israel and Jordan, and deplete US military resources. The Iranians also threatened to disrupt underwater communication cables in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, which supply internet and communication services to the Middle East and Asia.

Netanyahu's office and the IDF declined to comment on the report.