US and Israel Planning Post-Election Strikes on Iran, Sources Say
The White House confirmed that no attacks would occur before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, but administration officials say all options remain on the table.
The Israeli Defense Forces and the U.S. military have developed plans for joint strikes on Iran that would likely commence after the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, according to two Israeli sources familiar with the planning. The White House has stated that the U.S. will not resume attacks on Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
"The United States will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. Despite this, one Israeli source indicated that "hunting season is open as soon as the elections end and it's obvious that they're not going to wait long."
A White House official, responding to The New York Times' initial report on the planning, declined to comment on "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist." The official added that President Donald Trump "keeps all options on the table" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly favors renewed action against Iran, but the decision for joint strikes to resume rests with President Trump, according to the Israeli sources. One source suggested that Israel might act unilaterally if the U.S. does not participate, though such action would still require U.S. consent.
Trump has previously suggested he would restart military action after the midterm elections and has made threats to conclude the conflict after the midterms. His comments regarding negotiations with Iran have been somewhat contradictory; he initially stated that talks were ongoing "a little bit," but later said, "I think we're not negotiating." When pressed for an update on negotiations, Trump responded, "No, I think we're not negotiating with -- We are going to have something one way or the other that'll happen fairly soon." He also remarked, "Most people seem to think it's after the election, and we're going to see what happens."
The plans for renewed strikes were reportedly discussed during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent visit to Israel, during which new intelligence was shared. Potential targets for these strikes would include petrochemical facilities vital to Iran's economy, aiming to further weaken its financial standing and build upon the existing U.S. blockade. Striking Iranian nuclear facilities, such as those at Pickaxe Mountain, is also part of the plans, though civilian infrastructure like power plants is not targeted. The Israeli government's primary objective is regime change in Iran, not a negotiated settlement, according to one source.
Simultaneously, the U.S. military has been repositioning personnel at bases in the Middle East, a move described as similar to preparations made before the start of military operations against Iran in February. CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins stated that the U.S. regularly moves service members and assets to optimize mission readiness and that U.S. forces remain vigilant. The State Department also ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Saudi Arabia, a decision attributed to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. Minor adjustments have also been made at other embassies in the region, linked to the Houthi threat and other unspecified matters.