Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu planned a fresh, more intense attack on Iran, but US President Donald Trump opposed the move ahead of the US midterm elections.Three people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that the Israeli military was ready to launch strikes on October 10, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, regime-linked sites and civilian infrastructure, including energy plants.The proposed offensive was expected to be more intense than the US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, with an expanded target list aimed at inflicting greater damage on Tehran’s military and strategic infrastructure.According to Financial Times, Trump opposed the plan ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. The White House also ruled out US attacks on Iran before the polls, saying Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports and efforts to facilitate Gulf oil exports were succeeding.The report said it remained unclear whether the planned offensive would have involved direct US military participation or been carried out by Israel alone. One source suggested renewed strikes after the US and Israeli elections were possible, while another said the proposed operation could have been intended to pressure Tehran during negotiations.Trump’s approval rating fell to a record low of 31 per cent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on October 20, as rising gasoline prices and concerns over the cost of living weighed on his popularity.
The poll also showed Democrats leading Republicans 47 per cent to 35 per cent among registered voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.A renewed conflict with Iran could add to the economic and political pressure on Trump, potentially complicating Republican efforts to retain control of Congress.Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to resolve the standoff between Washington and Tehran remain uncertain, with disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and the blockade of Iranian ports complicating negotiations