US military finalizes preparations for possible combat operations in Iran

The US military is finalizing preparations for potentially resuming major combat operations in Iran, including deploying additional assets to the region, according to Axios, citing American officials on Thursday. This comes as Qatari mediators work to secure US and Iranian support for a draft agreement to avoid a return to fighting and possibly resume direct talks in the coming days. Trump acknowledged the war cost Republicans heavily in the midterm elections. Axios reports all Trump's options carry problems: new strikes face popular opposition and high gas prices, negotiations risk Iranian intransigence, and a "strangulation" strategy of blockade and sanctions could take months to show results.