White House warns Trump may strike Iran after midterm losses

US officials warn President Donald Trump may launch a major military operation against Iran if Republicans perform poorly in next week's midterm elections, according to Axios journalist Barak Ravid citing a White House source. The scenario is being considered amid heightened US-Iran tensions. The source said Trump could "do something bold" if he feels "humiliated or deprived of support" by the vote results, and this message is being conveyed to Iranian representatives as a signal to negotiate now. A White House spokesperson denied election outcomes would influence Iran policy. The report follows Trump's phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and comes as the US and Israel have reportedly prepared a week-long bombing plan against Iran, with Washington-Tehran relations deteriorating despite attempts to revive talks.