WASHINGTON: The United States and Israel have reportedly developed plans for renewed military strikes against Iran following the US midterm elections, with potential targets including Iranian nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure and missile and drone stockpiles.
According to a report attributed to The New York Times, American and Israeli military planners are preparing options for a short but intensive military campaign against Iran, although President Donald Trump has not authorised any new operation.
The report, citing US officials and other individuals familiar with the planning, said the two countries have increased military exercises, including flights through Iraqi airspace, to rehearse potential attack scenarios.
Possible targets reportedly include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear installations and facilities used to store missiles and drones.
The military options could also involve strikes against a deeply buried nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain, which has been identified as a potential target in discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to the report, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, with the possibility of renewed military action against Iran among the issues discussed.
However, uncertainty remains over whether Trump would approve such strikes. The US president has reportedly rejected several proposals this year to resume large-scale military operations against Iran.
Earlier in October, Trump indicated that Washington would not launch attacks against Iran before the midterm elections, citing positive developments in ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
A White House official, responding to the reported military preparations, said the administration does not comment on military plans that may or may not exist.
The official added that Trump continues to keep all options available to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The reported preparations come amid continuing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the possibility of further military escalation in the Middle East.
No final decision to launch the reported strikes has been confirmed.