The United States and Israel have developed detailed plans for renewed military strikes against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections, according to multiple reports citing unnamed officials. The proposed operation is described as a 'short but intensive' campaign, potentially lasting three days, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile and drone arsenals, and energy infrastructure. The plans were first reported by The New York Times on Wednesday, with additional details emerging from other outlets in subsequent days.
Military buildup and evacuation orders
American and Israeli forces have intensified joint military exercises, including rehearsal flights over Iraq, as part of preparations for the potential strikes. The U.S. military is also repositioning troops across the Middle East, with three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, additional fighter aircraft, and special operations forces expected to be in place by early November. The buildup follows an unannounced visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Israel this week, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the possibility of renewed strikes. Hegseth confirmed the meeting but declined to disclose its contents, stating only that American forces were prepared to carry out additional operations if ordered.
In parallel, the U.S. has begun evacuating troops and reducing staff at diplomatic posts across the Middle East. Troops stationed in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait have been ordered to relocate, while the State Department announced an 'ordered departure' for the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia, citing ongoing threats from Iran and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The embassy will operate with only emergency staff, according to a statement from State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. Additional diplomatic posts in the region have also been instructed to reduce staffing levels.
Oil prices rise amid regional tensions
The reported plans for strikes have coincided with a spike in oil prices. Brent crude futures rose 1.71% to $110.67 per barrel on Thursday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 1.42% to $98.53. Analysts attribute the increase to concerns over a potential escalation in the Middle East conflict. David Wagner, head of equity and portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors, noted that while oil prices remain elevated, their economic impact may be less severe than in past decades due to reduced U.S. energy dependence. He pointed to U.S. government data showing that gasoline accounted for roughly 2.5% of the average American’s disposable income today, compared to about 5% a decade ago.
Potential targets and strategic rationale
The proposed strikes are reported to focus on Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the underground Pickaxe Mountain site, as well as its missile and drone arsenals and energy infrastructure. Some officials cited in the reports argue that a concentrated three-day campaign could inflict sufficient damage on Iran’s already strained economy to force Tehran into concessions on its nuclear program. Others, however, have questioned whether additional strikes would break the diplomatic deadlock or risk further escalation. President Donald Trump has previously stated that he does not intend to authorize strikes before the midterm elections, though he has not ruled out action afterward. Trump has also suggested that Iran’s regime may be on the verge of collapse, stating last month that the war would end 'immediately after the election' if the U.S. and Israel refrain from further strikes.
Diplomatic and military responses
The White House has not yet commented on the reported plans, and Trump has not authorized a new offensive. The Pentagon has emphasized that the military buildup is part of broader regional deterrence efforts. U.S. Central Command spokesman Timothy Hawkins downplayed the troop movements, stating that they were routine adjustments in response to evolving threats. Meanwhile, the State Department has framed the evacuation orders as precautionary measures to ensure the safety of personnel and their families amid heightened regional tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with officials emphasizing that any decision on strikes would depend on multiple factors, including Iran’s actions in the coming weeks and the outcome of the midterm elections. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also signaling a preference for diplomatic solutions where possible.