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The White House has asked the Pentagon to develop options for strikes on Iranian targets that could be carried out before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to media reports published Wednesday.
A Pentagon official told Anadolu Agency that the department’s role is to develop and present military options to the president, but neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
The Atlantic, citing two administration officials, reported that the potential strikes’ targets and scale, as well as whether the administration would proceed, were still under discussion. The magazine said Trump’s advisers considered after the midterms a more suitable time for any new strikes.
A White House official told the magazine that Trump “has all options available at any time” but did not answer questions about the timing of a possible operation.
Separately, Axios reported, citing US officials, that the Pentagon had instructed US Central Command several days earlier to complete preparations for resuming major combat operations in Iran. The directive did not specify a date for any strikes, the report said.
The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for energy supplies.
In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding after mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar, aiming to halt hostilities and pave the way for negotiations. Implementation has since stalled amid disagreements, including over security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York last month, Trump said he expected to reach a deal with Iran after the US midterm elections. He warned that he faced a “big decision” on whether to pursue an agreement or “annihilate” the country.
