The Pentagon has instructed US Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major military operations against Iran, raising the prospect of another wave of US-Israeli strikes as President Donald Trump weighs his options ahead of crucial elections in both countries.
The directive was issued several days ago, American news website Axios reported exclusively on Wednesday, citing US officials familiar with the preparations.
Although no date has been set and Trump has not made a final decision, US and Israeli officials told Axios that renewed attacks could take place before the November 3 US midterm elections, potentially even before Israel’s October 27 elections.
Any renewed offensive could involve extensive bombing of Iranian energy infrastructure, military installations and nuclear facilities, according to the report.
The preparations mark a potentially significant escalation in the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28 and has since disrupted regional security and global energy markets.
A fresh military campaign could also drive up oil prices, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and carry political consequences for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, military preparations do not necessarily mean an attack is imminent.
“The Department’s job is to develop and present military options to the President,” a Pentagon official told Axios.
A White House official said Trump retained all military options and would act according to US interests.
The official claimed Washington was in a strong position because of its control over the Strait of Hormuz and the pressure on Iran’s economy.
Military planning intensifies
The Pentagon directive follows a meeting of Trump’s senior national security team at Camp David on Friday, where the possibility of renewed major combat operations against Iran was discussed, according to Axios.
The meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior officials.
Rubio subsequently described the gathering as part of long-term foreign policy planning.
The military preparations come as US-Iran negotiations remain deadlocked, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran’s response to a US counterproposal seeking nuclear concessions, Axios reported.
Iran continues to insist on its right to enrich uranium, while Washington is demanding substantial restrictions on its nuclear activities.
The diplomatic impasse has increased concerns that military action could again become Washington’s preferred option.
The Atlantic also reported Wednesday that Trump was considering strikes before the midterm elections, citing administration officials.
US-Israeli coordination
Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, their second conversation in recent days following a lengthy period of limited contact.
According to Axios, the conversation followed a meeting Netanyahu held with his national security team about Iran.
Netanyahu also spoke with Rubio on Monday.
US and Israeli officials believe any renewed large-scale offensive would likely involve coordinated military operations by both countries.
Israeli officials also warned that Iran could respond with extensive ballistic missile attacks against Israel.
One Israeli official told Axios that discussions about resuming major combat operations had intensified, although an attack before the elections was considered less likely than one afterward.
The possibility of renewed fighting comes amid mounting political pressure on both governments.
For Trump, another military campaign could complicate the November 3 midterm elections, particularly if oil prices rise sharply or US forces suffer casualties.
For Netanyahu, an escalation before Israel’s October 27 elections could reshape the final stages of the campaign, although its political consequences remain uncertain.
Trump keeps military option open
Trump has repeatedly signalled in recent weeks that he could authorize another major offensive if negotiations fail.
In a September 17 interview with Axios, he said he was approaching a major decision on Iran.
During his September 22 address to the United Nations General Assembly, he again warned Tehran of severe consequences if it refused Washington’s nuclear demands.
In an interview with Time published on October 1, Trump acknowledged that expanded military operations after the US midterms remained possible.
He has also suggested that the conflict could end before or shortly after the elections, while accusing Iran of delaying negotiations in anticipation of a more favorable political environment.
The war, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28, has already caused major disruption to regional energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Renewed bombing of Iranian energy facilities could deepen those disruptions, while Iranian retaliation could threaten Israel, US military installations and Gulf energy infrastructure.
For now, the distinction remains critical: The Pentagon has been ordered to prepare for major combat operations, but Trump has not authorized a new offensive.
The latest directive nevertheless places US forces closer to operational readiness as diplomatic efforts struggle to produce an agreement.