World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
US military prepares options for possible renewed strikes on Iran
The US military has prepared options for new strikes on Iran, according to reporting cited by two outlets.
The plans are being drawn up by US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, and options have been prepared for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
No final decision to attack has been announced, and any operation would require approval from President Donald Trump.
Trump has suggested a strike could come soon, while also saying a deal with Tehran remains possible.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says negotiations should continue, though he accused Washington of undermining them.
The reported options could include Iranian military, nuclear, energy or infrastructure targets, but the targets have not been publicly settled.
A renewed conflict could threaten regional security and shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for seaborne oil and gas trade.
The next step depends on Trump’s decision; diplomacy remains possible, and reports point to preparations for potential action after the November 3 US midterm elections.
US Central Command has prepared options for possible renewed strikes on Iran, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera and Okaz.
The options would require White House approval, and no final decision to attack has been announced.
Reports say the plans may be considered after the November 3 US midterm elections.
President Donald Trump has left open both military action and the possibility of an agreement with Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington of undermining negotiations but said efforts to reach an agreement should continue.
- Who
- The US military, including Central Command, has prepared the options. President Donald Trump would decide whether to approve an attack.
- What
- The military has prepared options for renewed strikes on Iran. No final decision to attack has been announced.
- When
- Reports say the plans may be considered after the November 3 US midterm elections. Trump also suggested a strike could come as soon as “tomorrow.
- Where
- Iran; the reports do not specify the locations that would be targeted.
- Why
- The preparations come amid stalled diplomacy and continuing disputes between Washington and Tehran. The sources say a renewed campaign could target Iranian military, nuclear, energy or infrastructure sites.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US-Israeli military operation against Iran, called Epic Fury, began.
Axios reported that the Pentagon had instructed CENTCOM to prepare for a possible resumption of major combat operations.
The New York Times reported that the US and Israel had drawn up joint plans for an attack after the midterm elections.
Trump said Washington “may do another little Epic Fury.
Trump suggested the United States could strike as soon as “tomorrow,” while also raising the possibility of an agreement.
The US midterm elections are scheduled, and reports say renewed strikes may be considered afterward.
- Decision authority
- President Donald Trump
- Military command
- US Central Command (CENTCOM)
- Election date
- November 3
- Possible targets
- Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure and nuclear sites
- Reported US deployment
- USS Theodore Roosevelt, roughly 10,000 additional soldiers and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit by the end of November
4 sources
What people are saying
With Trump, I think he is always keeping options on the table, but I think this particular drawing up of plans is an immediate posturing deterrent, but also a very real option after the midterms
may do another little Epic Fury