US and Israel Plan Potential Strikes on Iran Post-Midterms

The United States and Israel have developed detailed plans for potential new strikes against Iran, which could be launched after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3, according to the New York Times. The newspaper cited U.S. officials and individuals familiar with the preparations. The envisioned operation would be brief and intense, possibly targeting Iranian nuclear and energy facilities, as well as missile and drone systems. Some U.S. officials believe a concentrated three-day offensive could inflict enough economic damage to compel Tehran to make concessions in negotiations.

U.S. and Israeli forces have reportedly increased their coordination and conducted joint aerial exercises over Iraq to rehearse maneuvers for a potential operation against Iran. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is said to have discussed the possibility of new strikes during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel earlier this week. Hegseth confirmed the meeting but did not disclose the specifics of their discussions.

The Pentagon is continuing to deploy forces to the region, with the buildup expected to be completed by early November. This deployment includes three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, fighter jets, and special forces. However, the resumption of military operations remains uncertain. President Donald Trump has not authorized any new offensive and publicly stated earlier this month that he would not attack Iran before the U.S. elections. A White House spokesperson declined to confirm the existence of military plans, stating that the administration does not comment on operations that "may or may not exist."