Full coverage· Security· Updated 12:18

US and Israel Draft Plans for Strikes on Iran Post-Midterms

The United States and Israel have developed detailed operational plans for a potential short and intensive military campaign against Iran, which could be launched after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. The proposed three-day offensive would target Iran's nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone systems. While joint military exercises have intensified, including flights over Iraq to practice strike maneuvers, U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the operation.

26 newsrooms · 5 languages · since 02:26

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US and Israel Draft Plans for Strikes on Iran Post-Midterms — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01The United States and Israel have drafted detailed plans for a potential three-day military strike on Iran after the U.S. midterm elections.
02The proposed operation targets Iran's nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone capabilities.
03President Donald Trump has not yet approved the strikes and has previously postponed similar operations.
04The U.S. is positioning additional military forces in the Middle East, including three aircraft carriers, expected to be ready by early November.
05Israeli military leaders have expressed reservations about the timing of the strikes, citing concerns over political interference in elections.
06Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly pressured U.S. and Israeli security chiefs to keep the military option active.
07Iran has threatened to retaliate by targeting global strategic assets, including data centers and undersea internet cables.

According to reports citing American officials, some U.S. military leaders believe a concentrated three-day strike could inflict enough economic damage to force Tehran into diplomatic concessions. However, other officials oppose targeting oil refineries due to fears of driving up global fuel prices. The U.S. is also assembling additional forces in the region, including three aircraft carriers, Marines, and combat aircraft, expected to be ready by early November.

In Israel, the prospect of renewed strikes has caused internal friction. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly pressed for the option to remain open, while Israeli military and security officials have expressed reservations, citing concerns over the timing and potential political interference in upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have dismissed the 72-hour campaign plan as a fantasy and warned of severe retaliation, threatening to target data centers, undersea internet cables, and regional energy infrastructure if attacked.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 14 newsrooms. Updated 07:47