The US and Israeli militaries have developed specific plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the American midterm elections on November 3, according to US officials and other people briefed on the deliberations, The New York Times reports.
As planning for a short but intensive operation progresses, the US and Israeli militaries have stepped up exercises, flying planes over Iraq to practice strike maneuvers. The targets would likely include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenal.
Some officials say one more big round of attacks could push Iran’s economy over the brink and force the country to make diplomatic concessions after nearly eight months of conflict. Still, there are reasons to be skeptical that a renewed war would be any more successful than the first phase of intense US-Israeli strikes between February and April. It is also far from certain US President Donald Trump will approve fresh strikes.