(Getty)
The U.S. and Israeli militaries are preparing plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, including a possible short, intense campaign targeting nuclear facilities, missile and drone sites, and energy infrastructure, The New York Times reported Wednesday.
The preparations include stepped-up military exercises, with U.S. and Israeli forces practicing strike maneuvers over Iraq, according to the Times, which cited U.S. officials and others briefed on the planning.
The report comes as President Donald Trump has said the United States will not attack Iran before the midterms, even as his administration weighs its options if diplomatic efforts fail.
A White House official told the Times the administration does not comment on military plans that “may or may not exist,” adding that Trump is keeping all options open to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump has repeatedly held off on proposals to resume major combat operations, but the latest planning suggests the U.S. military is preparing for the possibility that the conflict could escalate again after the election.
The potential targets include Iran’s nuclear facilities, its missile and drone arsenal, and energy infrastructure, according to the Times, while plans could also include an attack on Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear-related site.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel earlier this week, with the two discussing regional threats, according to reports.
Netanyahu has also signaled that Israel and the United States may have more military action ahead, telling Trump during a phone call posted online Monday, “Donald, we have a job to finish.”
“We’ll finish it together,” Netanyahu added.
Trump endorsed Netanyahu’s reelection bid ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, while declining to discuss details of the meeting between Netanyahu and Hegseth.
On Tuesday, Trump said the United States was doing well in the war but had yet to decide how it wanted to secure victory.
“We just have to make a final decision of which way do we want to win?” Trump told reporters at the White House, adding, “Do we want to win the nice way or the not nice way?”
The comments left open whether Trump will ultimately pursue a negotiated settlement or authorize renewed military action if talks fail.
Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran are continuing through mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, but the two sides remain far apart on key issues.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that indirect talks were continuing over a proposed seven-day ceasefire, although Tehran has demanded an end to U.S. sanctions, threats and pressure before returning to negotiations.
Iran has also called for the U.S. naval blockade to be lifted and for restrictions on its oil exports to be eased, while Washington continues to press Tehran over its nuclear program and regional security.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, remains central to the dispute, with disruptions contributing to elevated energy prices.
Iran has warned that it would retaliate if the United States resumes strikes, and a senior Revolutionary Guard official threatened Wednesday to target undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz and other U.S. investments if Iranian infrastructure is attacked.
The New York Times report does not establish that Trump has approved a new offensive, and the White House has maintained that he is keeping his options open as diplomatic efforts continue.
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