Trump Halts Israeli Plan for Strikes on Iran Ahead of Midterms
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israel developed a plan for extensive attacks on Iran, including civilian infrastructure, which was halted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The strikes were reportedly planned for October 10 but were called off due to Trump's opposition before the U.S. midterm elections. U.S. officials expressed concerns about the effectiveness of such strikes and potential Iranian retaliation, including disrupting oil supplies and closing the Strait of Hormuz.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel planned extensive strikes on Iran's energy, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure, halted by President Trump.
- The planned attacks were scheduled for the weekend of October 10 and were to be more intense than previous operations.
- U.S. officials were concerned that strikes would not lead to regime change in Iran or alter its policies.
- Potential Iranian retaliation, including attacks on allied oil facilities and closing the Strait of Hormuz, was a major U.S. concern.
- Despite the halted plan, the Israeli military remained on high alert for weeks.
- The U.S. Department of Defense had previously developed five air operation plans targeting Iran and the Houthis.
Israel had prepared a plan for extensive attacks on Iran, targeting energy and nuclear facilities, civilian infrastructure, and regime targets, which was halted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The operation, reportedly planned for the weekend of October 10, was intended to be more intense than previous actions. The Financial Times reported, citing three sources, that the U.S. and Israel might resume conflict with Iran in the coming weeks, with one source stating "there is an agreement or an attack."
Sources indicated Israel compiled a new target database, including previously unhit civilian facilities, as part of a strategy to increase pressure on Tehran amid stalled negotiations. Despite the plan's suspension, the Israeli military remained on high alert for weeks. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated the military's mission was to ensure the upcoming Israeli elections were held safely, emphasizing continued vigilance on all fronts.
Separately, a New York Times report mentioned the U.S. Department of Defense had developed five air operation plans targeting Iran and the Houthis in Yemen in recent months. These plans reportedly included a three-day joint air operation with the Israeli Air Force against ballistic missile systems, drones, energy facilities, and Revolutionary Guard Corps bases. Ron Ben-Yishai of Yedioth Ahronoth noted Israel was aware of Trump's serious consideration of these plans, which were discussed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, Trump ultimately decided against proceeding with the attacks. U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, reportedly met in early October to review military plans. Participants were reportedly unenthusiastic about air strikes, believing they would not lead to regime change in Iran or alter its stance. U.S. concerns also included potential Iranian retaliation, such as targeting oil and gas facilities in allied nations, expanding attacks to Israel and Jordan, and depleting U.S. missile reserves. Iran's potential to close the Strait of Hormuz and target undersea communication cables was also a significant worry.
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