The key facts
- The US and Israeli militaries have intensified exercises, including training flights over Iraq, NYT reports citing officials.
- Possible targets: nuclear facilities (including the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain), missiles, drones, and energy infrastructure.
- Trump previously said there would be no strikes before the midterm elections; the White House does not comment on military plans.
Plans for a New Campaign
The US and Israeli militaries have developed plans to resume strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections, The New York Times reports, citing American officials and other people familiar with the discussions. What is being discussed is a possible short but intense campaign. The sides have intensified exercises, including flights over Iraq to practice strike maneuvers.
Possible Targets and Contacts
According to the newspaper, potential targets could include Iranian nuclear facilities, the missile and drone arsenal, and energy infrastructure. A strike plan against the nuclear program could include an attack on the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain facility. This week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss possible new strikes.
Trump's and the White House's Position
The newspaper notes that it is by no means certain that Trump will approve the strikes: according to the NYT, this year he repeatedly rejected plans to return to major combat operations. Earlier this month, Trump said the US would not attack Iran before the midterm elections, since the sides are holding 'productive discussions.' A White House spokesman told the newspaper that the administration does not comment on military plans 'that may or may not exist,' adding that Trump keeps all options on the table so that Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.
Context of the Conflict
The US and Israel began the war against Iran on February 28; in response, Tehran carried out missile and drone strikes on the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global energy supplies. The memorandum of understanding signed in June by the US and Iran with mediation from Pakistan and Qatar has reached a deadlock due to disagreements, including over shipping in the strait.
