US and Israel Plan New Strikes on Iran; Experts Doubt They Will Force Concessions

The US and Israel have developed plans for renewed strikes on Iran following the US midterm elections, according to the New York Times, targeting energy infrastructure, nuclear sites, and missile arsenals. The operation aims to pressure Tehran into diplomatic concessions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to discuss the attacks. President Trump reportedly delayed a planned strike in early October at the last minute, despite both militaries being at maximum readiness. The US has positioned three aircraft carriers and thousands of troops in the region. Experts doubt the campaign will succeed, noting previous strikes from February to April failed to achieve their goals while raising global energy prices and depleting US interceptor missiles. Iran has vowed retaliation against data centers, undersea cables, and Saudi oil facilities, potentially escalating into a broader regional conflict.