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. 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.
