American and Israeli military officials are developing plans for renewed attacks on Iranian nuclear, missile and energy facilities following the Nov. 3 midterm elections, although President Donald Trump has not authorized a new offensive.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United States and Israel are preparing contingency plans for a renewed military offensive against Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, including a potentially brief but intensive bombing campaign targeting nuclear facilities, missile installations and critical energy infrastructure.
According to a New York Times report published Wednesday, Oct. 21, American and Israeli military forces have intensified joint preparations, including aircraft exercises over Iraq designed to simulate potential strikes against Iranian targets.
The reported planning involves a campaign that could last approximately three days, with military officials evaluating whether concentrated attacks could further weaken Iran’s military capabilities and pressure Tehran into making concessions over its nuclear program.
Potential targets include missile and drone production facilities, nuclear installations and energy infrastructure. The options reportedly include Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear-related facility believed to be difficult to destroy using conventional airstrikes.
The Times of Israel reported Thursday that the preparations reflect continuing disagreements between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the timing and scope of additional military action. <Cite ref=”turn625221search1″/>
While Netanyahu has reportedly pushed for renewed strikes, Trump has repeatedly postponed proposals to resume major combat operations.
The president previously indicated that the United States would not launch another offensive before the American midterm elections, although the administration continues reviewing military options.
A White House official told the New York Times that the administration does not comment on military operations that “may or may not exist,” maintaining that Trump is preserving all options to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel earlier this week, where the two discussed regional security threats and possible military action.
The meeting coincided with expanded Israeli military exercises involving long-range fighter aircraft and refueling operations.
According to Axios reporting, Israeli aircraft conducted a significant training operation near Iran’s border Monday, involving dozens of fighter jets and support aircraft. Israeli officials characterized the operation as a demonstration of military capabilities rather than an imminent attack. <Cite ref=”turn625221news25″/>
The military preparations follow months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and American forces, with Washington maintaining pressure through sanctions and naval restrictions.
Trump has repeatedly described preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons as a central objective while declining to commit publicly to another round of strikes.
On Tuesday, the president suggested that the administration was still evaluating how to achieve its objectives.
“We just have to make a final decision of which way do we want to win?” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“Do we want to win the nice way or the not nice way?”
Netanyahu has also suggested that further action may be necessary.
During a telephone conversation with Trump released publicly Monday, the Israeli prime minister said, “Donald, we have a job to finish.”
“We’ll finish it together,” Netanyahu added.
The exchange came ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, with Netanyahu seeking another term as prime minister. Trump has endorsed his reelection bid while declining to disclose details of his discussions with Israeli officials.
Despite the military preparations, indirect diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran are continuing through regional intermediaries, including Pakistan and Qatar.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that discussions concerning a proposed seven-day ceasefire remained underway, although substantial disagreements persist over sanctions, military operations and Iran’s nuclear activities.
Tehran has demanded relief from American economic restrictions, an end to military threats and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade affecting Iranian ports.
The Trump administration has maintained that sanctions and military pressure are necessary to prevent Iran from rebuilding capabilities that could threaten American forces and regional allies.
The dispute has also affected international energy markets, particularly because of disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global petroleum supplies.
Iran has warned that renewed American or Israeli attacks could trigger retaliation against regional infrastructure.
A senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official threatened Wednesday to target undersea internet cables near the Strait of Hormuz and American investments in the region if Iranian infrastructure is attacked.
Such actions could disrupt communications, commercial activity and energy transportation beyond Iran’s borders, increasing concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Military planners are reportedly weighing those risks against the potential benefits of further strikes.
Some officials believe another concentrated offensive could severely damage Iran’s economy and military infrastructure, potentially strengthening Washington’s negotiating position.
Others have warned that additional attacks could provoke broader retaliation without resolving the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The Financial Times reported Wednesday that Netanyahu had considered renewed strikes earlier in October but that Trump opposed the proposed timing ahead of the American elections. <Cite ref=”turn625221news24″/>
The latest preparations indicate that the military option remains under active consideration, although developing operational plans does not necessarily mean an attack will occur.
Trump has previously rejected or postponed proposals for additional strikes, and officials familiar with the deliberations acknowledge that he could ultimately decide against another offensive.
For now, American and Israeli forces are continuing preparations while diplomatic negotiations remain unresolved.
The possibility of renewed fighting after Nov. 3 has added uncertainty to an already volatile regional security situation, with future developments depending on decisions in Washington, Jerusalem and Tehran.
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