Military planners ready targets across Iranian energy and nuclear infrastructure while diplomatic talks remain stalled ahead of key elections
WASHINGTON : The Pentagon has instructed U.S. Central Command to finalize preparations for potential major combat operations against Iran, positioning American forces for a renewed wave of strikes should President Donald Trump give the executive order, according to U.S. and regional officials.
Military planners have drafted target packages covering Iranian nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and command installations, Axios reported. While President Trump has not issued an operational launch order, the directive ensures the military can initiate extensive joint operations on short notice alongside Israeli forces.
Discussions surrounding the potential offensive coincide with high-stakes domestic timelines. U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, preceded by Israeli parliamentary elections on October 27. Israeli officials familiar with bilateral discussions noted that while strikes before polling day remain possible, the likelihood of direct military action increases substantially immediately after the votes.
Talks between Washington and Tehran remain frozen. Qatari mediators have yet to receive a formal response from Tehran regarding a U.S. proposal demanding deep nuclear concessions. Trump’s national security team gathered recently for extended strategy sessions at Camp David, where Middle East military scenarios featured prominently alongside long-term diplomatic posture.
Trump spoke by phone twice this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a period of limited direct communication. Officials briefed on the discussions indicated the conversations centered on strategic coordination regarding Iran’s missile stockpiles and defensive readiness. Israeli intelligence assessments warn that Tehran, wary of preemptive strikes after absorbing previous aerial campaigns, could retaliate with barrage missile launches across Israeli territory if confronted.
“The Department’s job is to develop and present military options to the President,” a Pentagon official told Axios. A White House official underscored that the administration is operating from leverage, citing naval dominance in the Persian Gulf and mounting economic strain inside Tehran.
Departing for an event in Texas on Wednesday, Trump told reporters that Washington had effectively eliminated Iran’s primary nuclear capabilities. “We have to get rid of the nuclear weapons for Iran,” Trump said, asserting that any military phase would conclude quickly and lead to lower global energy costs.
Addressing workers a day earlier at an industrial site in Maryland, Trump touted naval operations maintaining what he described as a “wall of steel” across maritime choke points. Trump claimed the U.S. Navy maintains total operational control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, vowing that Washington will prevent any resumption of prohibited shipments or nuclear enrichment activities.
