US and Israel Drafted Plans for Strikes on Iran Ahead of Midterms

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, reports indicate that the United States and Israel have developed detailed plans for a short, intensive military operation against Iran. These plans, reportedly shared by U.S. officials and sources familiar with the discussions, were to be considered after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. The potential targets include nuclear and energy facilities, as well as missile and drone systems. Some U.S. officials believe a three-day campaign could inflict economic damage and pressure Iran into concessions, while others are wary of targeting oil infrastructure due to potential fuel price hikes. However, no final decision to launch an attack has been made, though military preparations continue.

Within Israel, the prospect of renewed strikes on Iran, in coordination with the U.S., has created friction between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military leadership. The army has expressed reservations, concerned about the timing potentially impacting the Knesset election campaign or leading to its postponement. Netanyahu, however, is reportedly pressing the U.S. administration and the Israeli security establishment to keep the option of future strikes on the table.

Earlier this month, Washington and Tel Aviv were reportedly on the verge of an attack, with extensive preparations and the air force on high alert, before President Donald Trump postponed the operation at the last minute. This repeated cycle of military readiness and subsequent delays has caused daily disruption for military planners, who are striving to maintain readiness for any potential military option the President might decide upon in the coming weeks.

In parallel, the U.S. military is preparing a range of options for striking Iran, with multiple carrier strike groups and naval assets present in the Middle East. This buildup aims to bolster U.S. military capabilities and provide additional operational options for Trump. Conversely, the U.S. military has reportedly and discreetly reduced its troop presence at bases across the Middle East, coinciding with a State Department decision to decrease personnel at several diplomatic missions in the region. These measures echo steps taken before previous escalations and are attributed to ongoing threats, including those from Iran.

On the Israeli side, the air force conducted an operational flight with dozens of fighter jets reaching an area near the Iranian border, approximately 1,300 kilometers from Israel. This flight, which included aerial refueling, was intended to demonstrate strength and deter Iran from attacking Israel, though it carried risks of miscalculation. The aircraft followed a potential attack route through Syrian and Iraqi airspace before turning back. Israel reportedly informed the U.S. in advance, framing it as a training exercise, though some U.S. officials suggested Israel might have hoped for an Iranian response to justify an attack.

Iranian officials have warned that any new attack would be met with a broad response, potentially targeting data centers and undersea internet cables, emphasizing that any future confrontation would not be brief. Plans reportedly include striking major oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, which could cause a sharp rise in global energy prices. These threats come amid Netanyahu's accusations of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and reports of Trump's opposition to an Israeli strike before the U.S. elections. The U.S. State Department also plans to evacuate some diplomatic staff and their families from Saudi Arabia due to concerns about renewed conflict in the region.