The United States and Israel have developed detailed military plans for renewed strikes against Iran following the November U.S. midterm elections, including a potential intensive three-day campaign designed to inflict significant economic damage and pressure Tehran into making concessions over its nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, The New York Times reports, citing U.S. officials and individuals briefed on the preparations.

The proposed military operation would target Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile and drone arsenals, and potentially its energy infrastructure. Some American military planners believe a concentrated three-day assault could cause sufficient economic damage to force Iranian leaders to reconsider their negotiating positions.

Preparations are already underway, with U.S. and Israeli forces conducting additional military exercises, including flights over Iraq to rehearse strike maneuvers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss the potential operation.

The United States is also assembling a substantial military force in the Middle East, including three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, fighter jets, and Special Operations forces. The deployment is expected to be fully in place by early November, providing President Trump with additional military options.

According to U.S. and Israeli defense officials, the two countries came close to launching a joint attack earlier this month, with both air forces placed on their highest state of alert. However, Trump postponed the operation shortly before it was scheduled to begin. He has not yet authorized a new campaign, and officials believe political considerations could lead him to wait until after the November elections.

The report also identifies Iran’s deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility as a potential target. Trump recently discussed the possibility of using the 22,000-pound Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the Mother of All Bombs, against the site, although weapons specialists have questioned its effectiveness against heavily fortified underground facilities.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials are warning that another round of American and Israeli attacks would trigger expanded retaliation. Tehran has threatened to target regional energy infrastructure, commercial shipping, data centers, and underwater internet cables. An Iranian political analyst also warned that attacks on Saudi oil refineries could be used to drive up global energy prices.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the military preparations, with American negotiators seeking concessions on Iran’s nuclear activities and the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian negotiators have so far resisted making concessions on the nuclear program, while U.S. officials continue developing options for additional military action.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)