The military forces of the United States and Israel have developed specific plans for renewed strikes on Iran following the upcoming American midterm elections, according to reports. Citing US officials and individuals briefed on the deliberations, reports indicate that the two nations are preparing for a potential short but intensive military campaign.
As planning advances, both militaries have ramped up preparation exercises, which include conducting practice strike maneuvers with flights over Iraq. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the potential new strikes.
Potential Targets and Strategic Objectives
According to the reports, the targeted sites would likely focus on Iran’s critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, nuclear sites, and its missile and drone arsenal. Among the specific proposals discussed is a potential strike on Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear installation.
Some officials believe that another major round of military attacks could push the struggling Iranian economy past the breaking point and compel the government to make diplomatic concessions following nearly eight months of ongoing conflict. However, reactions to the military planning vary; Mahdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to Iran’s negotiator, publicly dismissed a potential 72-hour US campaign as a fantasy.
Uncertainty Over Presidential Approval
Despite the advanced planning and stepped-up exercises, it remains far from certain whether US President Donald Trump will ultimately authorize the fresh military strikes. Throughout 2026, President Trump has repeatedly canceled or vetoed plans for returning to major combat operations, including an instance in October when both militaries were reportedly nearing an attack.
When questioned regarding the reports, a White House official stated on October 21 that the administration does not comment on military plans that may or may not exist. All officials discussing the classified deliberations did so on condition of anonymity.
