US and Israel drawing up plans to resume attacks on Iran post-election, sources say

“Joint strikes” means U.S. and Israeli forces would conduct coordinated attacks on Iran. The report says military planners from both countries have prepared options to restart attacks in the coming weeks. The plans matter because they could expand the existing conflict and directly target Iran’s economy and nuclear infrastructure.

The reported targets include petrochemical facilities that are important to Iran’s oil industry. Nuclear facilities, including those at Pickaxe Mountain, are also reportedly included. The United States is already maintaining a blockade, and new attacks would aim to further weaken Iran’s economy. The sources said civilian infrastructure such as power plants is not currently targeted.

The plans were reportedly discussed during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unannounced visit to Israel. New intelligence was shared, and U.S. forces have been repositioned in the Middle East. The White House said no attacks would occur before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, but officials declined to confirm sensitive military plans.

The reported reason for waiting is political timing and concern about energy markets. Israeli sources said President Donald Trump does not want to further destabilize oil markets during the final days of the U.S. midterm campaign. That makes the election a practical deadline for military restraint, even as planning reportedly continues.

The White House gave a clear public commitment. Spokesperson Anna Kelly said the United States would not attack Iran at any time before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Trump also repeatedly said the war would restart after the midterms, while suggesting he might “end” it afterward. His comments therefore reinforced the sources’ timeline.

The delay does not mean the plans have been abandoned. The sources said attacks could begin soon after the election. Trump gave mixed accounts of negotiations, saying talks were happening “a little bit” before saying, “I think we’re not negotiating.” The timing remains dependent on his decision.

President Donald Trump would have to decide whether the United States resumes joint attacks. The Israeli sources said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly supports renewed action, but the final decision is “only for Trump to decide.” This gives the U.S. president control over American participation and the broader joint operation.

Israel could potentially act without U.S. forces if Washington declined to participate. One source did not rule out a unilateral Israeli strike. However, that source also said Israel would still require U.S. consent. The report does not explain whether this means political approval, operational coordination, or permission for specific actions.

The White House said Trump keeps all options available to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Pentagon declined to comment, and another White House official would not confirm sensitive military plans. Israel’s stated preference is regime change rather than a negotiated agreement, making disagreement over U.S. participation especially important.

The reported target list focuses on Iran’s economy and nuclear capabilities. Petrochemical facilities are described as crucial to Iran’s oil industry. Nuclear facilities, including those at Pickaxe Mountain, are also reportedly under consideration. The sources specifically said civilian infrastructure such as power plants is not part of the plans.

An attack on petrochemical facilities could damage production, exports, jobs, and government revenue. It could also reduce available fuel or industrial materials. Strikes on nuclear sites could destroy equipment, interrupt nuclear activities, and release hazardous material if facilities were damaged. The article does not provide a detailed assessment of likely immediate effects.

The wider consequences could extend beyond Iran. The sources cited Trump’s concern that attacks might destabilize oil markets, while strikes on nuclear facilities could trigger retaliation and widen the conflict. U.S. force movements and regional security changes show that officials are preparing for possible risks, but the final decision remains unsettled.

Iran’s oil and petrochemical industries generate export earnings, government revenue, industrial activity, and employment. Petrochemicals also turn oil and gas into fuels and materials used across the economy. The article calls the facilities crucial to Iran’s oil industry, showing why they are viewed as economic pressure points.

Their importance extends beyond Iran because major attacks on energy production or exports can reduce supply and unsettle buyers. Markets may react to the possibility of shortages, shipping risks, or wider regional conflict. The article directly connects Trump’s reluctance to further destabilize oil markets with the decision to delay attacks until after the election.

The report does not provide output, export, or price figures, so it cannot measure the likely global effect. It does show that economic damage is a central goal of the proposed strikes. The plans would build on an ongoing U.S. blockade and target facilities tied to Iran’s energy economy.

Renewed attacks are not the only options described. The United States could continue economic pressure through its ongoing blockade. Washington and Tehran could also pursue negotiations, although Trump gave conflicting statements about whether talks were still taking place. Israel could potentially strike without U.S. forces, though the source said it would still need U.S. consent.

The alternatives reflect different goals and mechanisms. Economic pressure seeks to weaken Iran without immediate bombing. Negotiations would try to produce an agreement. Unilateral Israeli action would use military force while limiting direct U.S. participation. The Israeli government’s stated top goal is regime change, not a negotiated deal.

None of these paths is settled. Trump said something would happen “one way or the other” fairly soon, while the White House said he keeps all options available. The article reports planning, troop repositioning, and diplomatic precautions, but no final decision to resume combat.

A nuclear program is a country’s organized work involving nuclear science, facilities, materials, and technology. It may support civilian energy, research, or other uses. Enrichment and related capabilities can also raise concern because some technologies may be adapted to produce material for nuclear weapons. The article does not describe Iran’s program in technical detail.

The report says the United States wants to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It also says nuclear facilities, including those at Pickaxe Mountain, are included in reported strike plans. Such sites would be considered central because damaging them could disrupt activities believed to support nuclear capabilities. The article does not identify the exact facilities or processes involved.

Targeting nuclear sites would carry serious escalation risks. It could lead to retaliation, broaden the conflict, or create environmental hazards if dangerous materials were released. The sources said the proposed operation would also target petrochemical facilities, while excluding power plants. The final decision rests with Trump, and officials have not confirmed the plans.