US and Israel weigh new strikes on Iran after midterm elections

The United States and Israel are developing plans for a new short but intense military operation against Iran, potentially launched after the US midterm elections on November 3, according to The New York Times, citing American and Israeli officials. As planning progresses, US and Israeli military departments have intensified exercises, flying over Iraq to practice strike maneuvers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to discuss new attacks, with likely targets including Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenals. Some officials believe another major attack series could cripple Iran's economy and force diplomatic concessions after nearly eight months of conflict. However, skepticism exists about success compared to the February-April strikes, which raised global energy prices, undermined Middle East security, and depleted Pentagon interceptor stocks. President Donald Trump has repeatedly vetoed such plans this year, and diplomatic efforts continue using the threat as leverage.