US considering resuming strikes on Iran on November 9

US administration discusses a new date for strikes on Iran

The US administration is considering the possibility of resuming military strikes on Iran on November 9. Fox News reported this, citing sources in the administration, the Fox News channel reported; the same information was relayed on November 6 by Uzbek outlets Zamon.uz and Kun.uz, which rely on the same primary source. According to the channel's sources, a new moon is expected on November 9, and there will be practically no moonlight at night — military officials called such conditions favorable for conducting an operation, in particular for nighttime airstrikes.

What happened at the White House

Fox News sources report that on November 4–5, President Donald Trump and his national security team discussed resuming the strikes at the White House. Axios specifies that on November 5 Trump held a meeting with his key national security advisers dedicated to Iran. According to Axios, after the Republican Party's poor results in the congressional midterm elections, the president is considering several options: resuming the military campaign launched on February 28 in partnership with Israel, concluding a deal — despite the demand for major concessions from Tehran — or maintaining the status quo with continued economic pressure. Fox News, according to Kun.uz, reports that after these meetings Trump is leaning toward authorizing the start of a new major operation against Iran as early as November 9.

Preparation complete, no order yet

According to Fox News, US Central Command (CENTCOM) is completing preparations to resume major military operations in Iran, but there is no information yet about a new directive from Washington. Sources cited by Axios and referenced by Kun.uz also emphasize that the military scenario remains the priority for now. It was previously reported that Trump was considering three paths regarding Iran: new strikes, continued economic pressure, or reaching an agreement.

Context: conflict and negotiations

The conflict between the US and Iran began on February 28. In June, the sides signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities, but the situation subsequently escalated again. Currently, as Zamon.uz notes, an Iranian delegation is negotiating with the US through intermediaries in Qatar; according to a Reuters source, Tehran has also presented Washington with proposals regarding its nuclear program. Thus, reports of a possible strike date are emerging against the backdrop of a parallel negotiation process, and, according to available information, no final decision has yet been made by the White House.