The United States and Israel have drawn up specific plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, according to a New York Times report published October 21. US officials and others briefed on the deliberations told the paper the two militaries are preparing a short, intensive operation.
Likely targets include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and its missile and drone arsenal, the report said. Some officials told the Times that oil refineries might be spared to avoid pushing up gasoline prices.
The two militaries have stepped up exercises in recent weeks, flying aircraft over Iraq to rehearse strike manoeuvres, according to the report. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss possible new strikes, US officials said.
Some US planners believe a campaign lasting about three days could inflict enough economic damage to push Tehran toward diplomatic concessions, after nearly eight months of conflict. The American force, which includes three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, fighter jets and special operations forces, is expected to be fully in place by early November, the Times reported.
Nothing has been approved. President Trump has repeatedly vetoed plans for a return to major combat this year, most recently this month, when both militaries were nearly ready to strike. A White House official told the paper the administration does not comment on military plans “that may or may not exist.”
Iran has threatened to retaliate against any renewed military action. Iranian state-affiliated media carried a warning from an IRGC spokesperson about a new response to American strikes.
Source: LiveMint
