TEL AVIV/TEHRAN: The US and Israel are preparing plans for a possible attack on Iran in early November, after the US midterm elections, a person briefed on the US and Israel's war planning told NPR on Thursday. Iran said it is prepared.
The person, who spoke to NPR on condition of anonymity, said Israel had initially planned to strike Iran in mid-October, about two weeks before Israeli elections on Oct. 27, but President Trump objected. According to the source, the US is now amassing forces in the region to be ready to attack by early November, though these preparations could also be part of a campaign to pressure Iran into a diplomatic deal.
US midterm elections take place on Nov 3. Separately, citing senior US officials, the 'New York Times' reported that the US and Israel have "developed specific plans" for a "short but intensive operation" in Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone arsenals.
One official stated the goal is to force Iran into "diplomatic concessions" by weakening its economy, as negotiations have stalled. The US has maintained a blockade of Iranian oil exports in the Strait of Hormuz, further sapping Tehran's revenues.
Other outlets have reported similar plans. In early October, Axios reported that the Pentagon instructed US Central Command to "conclude preparations for resuming major combat operations in Iran." There are currently two US aircraft carrier strike groups in the Arabian Sea, with a third expected by late November.
On October 15, Trump told Newsmax he was considering a strike on Pickaxe Mountain, near Natanz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is campaigning on a threat to topple Iran's regime.
The outlet also reported that dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted a sortie on Monday, flying as far as the Iranian border. The exercise involved refueling aircraft and followed a flight path through Syrian and Iraqi airspace.
As the aircraft approached the Iranian border, they turned back. Sources suggested Israel hoped the Iranians would fire, providing a justification for strikes.
As oil prices rose, Trump accused Iran of lying about the Strait of Hormuz to drive up costs. Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of oil prior to the US Midterm Election."
Separately, Trump described the situation as "a little conflict against Iran," claiming Washington is doing "very well militarily and financially." When asked if he had given up on negotiations, Trump remained non-committal.