What happened
The United States and Israel have developed plans for potential military strikes against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. The plans include a "short, intense" military campaign targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, missile and drone arsenals, and energy infrastructure.
American forces are building up across the Middle East, and the Pentagon is repositioning troops amid fears of Iranian retaliation. The US and Israel have intensified joint exercises, including flights over Iraq rehearsing potential attacks.
A substantial US military buildup is expected to be in place by early November, with three American aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, additional fighter aircraft, and special operations forces being deployed to the region.
The preparations follow a visit to Israel by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran. Hegseth emphasized that American forces are prepared to carry out additional operations if ordered.
President Donald Trump has warned that the US and Israel will finish their campaign against Iran unless Tehran rapidly changes course. Trump has also endorsed Netanyahu ahead of Israel's election, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in confronting Tehran.
Iranian officials have threatened retaliation, warning that another offensive could trigger attacks on regional energy infrastructure, data centers, and undersea communications cables. The Iranian regime has refused to accept Washington's nuclear demands, insisting on an end to the war and relief from the American blockade before addressing substantive nuclear concessions.
