US and Israeli Forces Prepare for Potential Operation Against Iran
Following the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3, the United States and Israel are gearing up for a potentially brief but forceful military campaign targeting Iran. According to reports from The New York Times, officials from both countries are planning fresh strikes. The US and Israeli militaries have stepped up training exercises, including simulated strike missions over Iraq. In recent talks, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss possible attack strategies.
Targets and Possible Ramifications of the Planned Operation
Key objectives of the anticipated strikes are expected to include:
- Iran's energy infrastructure;
- Its nuclear facilities;
- Missile and drone stockpiles.
Previous US-Israeli strikes from February to April caused a surge in global energy prices, inflation, deteriorated security conditions across the Middle East, and depleted US interceptor missile reserves. Despite this, former President Donald Trump has not endorsed resuming large-scale combat operations and recently rejected a renewed plan for such actions.
Meanwhile, Iran has signaled readiness to expand its list of retaliatory targets if hostilities resume. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, highlighted Tehran's efforts to build backup production capabilities, disperse military factories, develop underground facilities, and establish diverse launch systems. Iran has also prepared logistics to swiftly repair and restore damaged infrastructure.
Rezaei emphasized, 'A war of attrition would favor Iran and harm the US. Our capabilities should not be judged solely by the number of missiles left in our arsenal.'
Iran has further threatened to strike US communication cables, data centers, and AI infrastructure across the Middle East if fighting reignites. Rezaei also warned Gulf states that supporting a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to attacks on their energy assets. The US is reportedly leveraging the threat of renewed military action to pressure Tehran in ongoing nuclear negotiations and over control of the strategic strait.
Diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran continue but have yet to yield progress. Iranian negotiators insist on postponing nuclear program talks to a later stage. A US special envoy declined to comment on possible operational plans, keeping options open to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Attempts by Qatar to mediate a compromise have so far failed. Qatari emissary Ali al-Tawadi proposed lifting the US maritime blockade in exchange for Iran scaling back its nuclear activities, but this initiative stalled.
Through Qatar, Iran has presented three main conditions to resume dialogue and halt hostilities, awaiting a response from President Trump.
The looming possibility of US-Israeli military action against Iran carries significant implications for regional stability and the global economy. Renewed conflict risks escalating tensions in the Middle East and driving up energy costs, as seen during earlier strikes. At the same time, diplomatic efforts—especially those led by Qatar—reflect ongoing attempts to avert escalation and seek a peaceful resolution, though these have yet to succeed.