The U.S. and Israel are developing plans for major attacks on Iran following the U.S. midterm elections in November.
Planning for Attacks
Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth has discussed the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, in Israel. Potential targets of these attacks include energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and Iran's missile and drone arsenal. U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran is on the verge of collapse but are deliberately continuing the war to interfere with the Republicans' chances in the midterm elections.
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Impact of War and Future Scenarios
The U.S. government has predicted that after the elections, the Iranian regime will quickly surrender. President Donald Trump announced last month that the war will soon end, whether through negotiation or escalation of tensions. Some officials believe that resuming attacks for a severe but limited campaign could help lead to Iran's economic collapse.
Last week, Trump considered additional military action in Iran, including the possibility of attacking Mount Pikaax, an underground nuclear facility. He also mentioned the potential use of the GBU-43/B bomb, known as the "mother of all bombs." Trump added, "The war will soon end, whether through negotiation or escalation of tensions."
Increased conflicts between Houthi rebels aligned with Iran and Saudi and Yemeni governments pose a threat of creating a broader regional crisis. The U.S. State Department on Wednesday evacuated non-emergency staff and their families from Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli elections on October 27 may also affect the intensity of military actions. Netanyahu, who has Trump’s support, will remain in power until a new government is formed and will still have the authority to order attacks.
The U.S. and Iran have not had major conflicts in recent weeks, with the last reported U.S. attacks on Iran occurring on September 8. While Iranian attacks on commercial shipping continue, Trump dismissed the idea of attacking Iran before the midterm elections earlier this month.
Iran also appears to have become more resistant to accepting surrender in negotiations with the U.S. Iranian officials have emphasized that they will not negotiate with the U.S. unless certain demands are met, including ending the maritime blockade and releasing frozen assets.
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