Washington: US, Israel prepared plans to strike Iran again after midterms: report

Washington — The New York Times reported that the United States and Israel have prepared plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections, with preparations under way for short but intense attacks.
Citing US officials and others familiar with the discussions, the report said both militaries have intensified exercises, including flights over Iraq to rehearse attack manoeuvres. Potential targets include Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile and drone stockpiles, and energy infrastructure.
According to the report, plans targeting Iran’s nuclear programme could include a strike on the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain site. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss possible new strikes.
However, the report noted that President Donald Trump has repeatedly vetoed plans to return to large-scale fighting this year, making it too early to say whether he would approve strikes.
Trump said earlier this month that the United States would not attack Iran before the midterm elections because both sides were engaged in talks. A White House official said the administration does not comment on military plans that may or may not exist, adding that Trump has kept all options on the table to ensure Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons.
The United States and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. A memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran in June, following Pakistani and Qatari mediation, has remained stalled over differences including navigation in the strait.