Trump Reportedly Stopped Israeli Attack on Iran Before US Midterms
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
US President Donald Trump reportedly stopped an Israeli plan for a major military strike against Iran in early October to prevent conflict escalation before the US midterm elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered preparations for an extensive attack on Iranian nuclear and infrastructure sites. While the operation was halted, future actions are possible, with one insider describing the situation as "either an agreement or an attack." The White House stated it is focusing on economic and military pressure, ruling out US attacks before the midterms.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- President Trump reportedly halted an Israeli plan for a major offensive against Iran in early October.
- The planned Israeli attack targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, infrastructure, and regime sites.
- Trump's decision was reportedly motivated by a desire to avoid escalating conflict before US midterm elections.
- The situation is described as "either an agreement or an attack" regarding Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Israel for discussions on Iran.
- The White House has ruled out US military attacks on Iran before the midterm elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly planned a significant military offensive against Iran in early October, but US President Donald Trump halted the operation to avoid escalating the conflict just before the November 3 US midterm elections. The Financial Times reported this, citing three individuals familiar with the planning. Netanyahu had allegedly instructed the Israeli military to prepare for a multi-day wave of attacks targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, power plants, infrastructure, and regime sites, intended to be more extensive than a previous joint Israeli-US operation.
The planned offensive did not proceed, but the possibility of future military action remains. One insider suggested that further attacks, potentially involving both Israel and the US, could occur in the coming weeks, describing the situation as "either an agreement or an attack." Washington is reportedly seeking concessions from Tehran on its nuclear program and assurances of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade.
Israeli officials had allegedly provided their US counterparts with an updated list of potential targets, including civilian infrastructure not previously struck. This information emerged amid sensitive political timing, with Israel's own parliamentary elections approaching on October 27. Trump has publicly supported Netanyahu's re-election and intensified pressure on Tehran.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel recently for discussions with Netanyahu and other senior officials. The extent of potential US military involvement in the October operation remains unclear. Another insider suggested the Israeli preparations might have been intended to increase pressure on Iran during negotiations, with the final decision resting with Trump.
The White House indicated a preference for economic and military pressure, with Deputy Spokesperson Anna Kelly stating Iran faces a difficult economic and military situation due to US sanctions and efforts to maintain oil exports from Gulf states. Kelly explicitly ruled out American attacks before the midterms. Trump had previously suggested the US might act against Iran militarily even without Israeli support if Netanyahu lost the election.
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