Washington and Tel Aviv are preparing potential military strategies for renewed strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections. American officials and briefed individuals told media that both militaries have intensified exercises. These preparations have included specific flights over Iraq to rehearse strike maneuvers.
Potential targets under consideration include Iran’s nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone arsenals. Plans addressing the Iranian nuclear program could involve striking Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried site.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Israel this week to confer with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the potential new operations.
Approval from the White House is not guaranteed despite the ongoing planning. The US president has repeatedly vetoed plans to re-enter major combat throughout the year.
Earlier this month, the US leader stated that Washington would refrain from attacking Iran prior to the midterm elections. He attributed this decision to ongoing productive discussions between the two sides.
A White House official declined to confirm specific details regarding the military preparations. The official stated that the administration does not comment on military plans that may or may not exist, while confirming that all options remain on the table to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Military hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28. That initial outbreak led Tehran to launch retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
A subsequent memorandum of understanding was signed in June after mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar. That agreement has since stalled due to ongoing disagreements, including disputes over navigation rights within the key strait.
