developing· Security· Updated 12:24

Trump Blocked Israeli Strike on Iran Before Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare for a large-scale, multi-day aerial campaign against Iran, scheduled for the weekend of October 10. The planned operation was designed to target nuclear facilities, regime sites, and key civilian infrastructure, including power plants, using an updated list of targets based on new intelligence. However, the offensive was halted due to strong opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump, who sought to avoid a broad regional escalation and economic instability ahead of the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.

22 newsrooms · 5 languages · since 07:31

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What happened

01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare for a major multi-day air campaign against Iran scheduled for October 10.
02U.S. President Donald Trump blocked the planned Israeli operation to prevent regional escalation before the November 3 midterm elections.
03The proposed strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, regime sites, and civilian infrastructure such as power stations.
04U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was presented with an updated list of Iranian targets during his visit to Israel.
05The White House ruled out any military action against Iran before the upcoming U.S. elections.
06The IDF has placed all units on a leave ban to maintain high readiness ahead of the Knesset elections on October 27.

During a recent visit to Israel, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was briefed on the updated target list. While the White House acknowledged that Iran is in a weakened military and economic state, it ruled out any U.S. military action before the American elections. Despite the postponement, Israeli political sources maintain that both military and diplomatic options remain viable, with one source describing the situation as "either an agreement or an attack" regarding Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

The report has sparked strategic and political debate within Israel. Former intelligence official Danny Citrinowicz warned that there is no immediate military justification for a new war and cautioned against mixing political considerations with strategic decisions. Meanwhile, the IDF has maintained high operational readiness, imposing a leave ban on all units to secure the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 14 newsrooms. Updated 13:27