What happened
Despite expectations that the US will not take major action against Iran before the midterm elections, operational signals suggest a possible pre-election attack. In June 2025, President Trump said he would decide on striking Iran within two weeks, but bombs were dropped just two days later. Similarly, in 1988, the US launched Operation Praying Mantis against Iran just four days after an Iranian mine nearly sank a US frigate.
Recently, Trump has made contradictory statements about potential strikes, saying it's possible but refusing to confirm. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed to discuss Iran, and the US has deployed fighter squadrons to Israel's Ovda Airbase. Iran's Foreign Ministry has warned the UAE of
