US and Israel draw up plans for new strikes on Iran as Tehran threatens retaliation

The United States and Israel have drawn up plans for a possible resumption of large-scale strikes against Iran after the November 3 US midterm elections, The New York Times reports, citing US officials and other sources familiar with the discussions. Tehran has warned neighboring countries against supporting any renewed military campaign. According to the newspaper, the plans envisage a short but intensive military operation. The US and Israeli armed forces have stepped up preparations and are conducting training flights over Iraq to rehearse potential strikes. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on October 19, CBS News reported, amid discussions about a possible resumption of military operations against Iran.

Potential targets include Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile and drone arsenals, and energy infrastructure, according to The New York Times . Some US military planners believe an operation lasting about three days could inflict serious damage on Iran’s economy and increase pressure on Tehran in negotiations. No final decision on new strikes has been made. A White House spokesman said the administration does not comment on military plans “that may or may not exist,” adding that President Donald Trump is keeping all options open to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump previously postponed planned strikes The US and Israel came close to launching a new round of strikes in early October, according to The New York Times . Both militaries had completed preparations and placed aircraft on heightened alert, but Trump postponed the operation shortly before its planned launch. Earlier, The Wall Street Journal , citing US officials, reported that Trump was considering resuming bombing after the November…