Pentagon Ordered to Prepare For New Strikes On Iran – The Pentagon has reportedly ordered U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to prepare for a large new military offensive against Iran amid reports that President Donald Trump is considering fresh attacks ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Per Axios, a directive was issued several days ago, and the operation being considered could involve extensive bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure — as well as other strategic targets. The planned assault could be the war’s largest escalation in months
The president has not yet decided whether to launch the strikes, and discussions with administration officials are reportedly ongoing.
A B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of a B-1 Lancer, A-10 Warthog, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-18 Hornet, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning, assigned to Air Combat Command and Global Strike Command, during the Hyundai Air and Sea show at Miami, Florida, May 23, 2026. Each aircraft played a unique role in demonstrating the comprehensive reach of the U.S. Air Force, from legacy bombers to cutting-edge fifth-generation fighters. Known as the Arsenal of Freedom Formation, the event underscored the Air Force’s capability to project force anywhere, anytime, as a key component of national defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz)
Two B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana fly in a formation after completing missions over the Baltic Sea for Bomber Task Force Europe 20-1, Oct. 23, 2019. This deployment allows aircrews and support personnel to conduct theater integration and improve bomber interoperability with joint partners and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Trevor T. McBride)
It comes as Washington and Jerusalem reportedly discuss their next move against Tehran, with both countries just weeks away from national elections – and as negotiations between the United States and Iran remain deadlocked over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
CENTCOM Told to Prepare for War
According to NBC News, military planners prepared new options for President Donald Trump, including operations that could begin within weeks — just before Americans go to the polls to choose the makeup of the next Congress. The report said military planners prepared options after a meeting of senior administration officials at Camp David, Maryland, on Friday, October 2.
Under the proposal, the United States would launch strikes far larger than the limited exchanges between American and Iranian forces over the last several months. And, according to an Axios report, the targets could be large — including Iranian energy facilities and nuclear sites, and potentially civilian infrastructure.
Speaking to the outlet, an unnamed Pentagon official said the department is responsible for developing military options.
Speaking to The Hill, a White House official confirmed that the president is considering multiple options.
“The Commander-in-Chief has all options available at any time,” the official said, adding that the United States is “in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy collapsing.”
“Iran has been decimated, and things will go one of two ways: the easy way or the hard way. President Trump holds all the cards and will do whatever is best for the United States,” the same official said.
While preparations are underway, an attack is not inevitable. Military planning gives the president options to act quickly if negotiations fail, or if circumstances suddenly change and warrant a military response.
Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Next Moves
While the February 28 strikes began with the support of the Israeli military, much of the military response to Iran in the wake of those initial strikes has been conducted by U.S. forces. That may be about to change.
President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 7, marking their second phone call in days—after weeks of limited direct contact between the two leaders. Netanyahu also reportedly met with his national security advisers and spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 5.
It follows a report in September by former Israeli intelligence officer Barak Ravid that described a “private retreat” organized by U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper early that month for military commanders from the U.S., Israel, and several Arab states in Germany. Citing unnamed Israeli officials, Ravid said military leaders from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar attended the meeting. It was the first meeting of its kind since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes in February. CENTCOM also confirmed the meeting.
Negotiations Deadlocked
The preparations come amid widespread speculation that Tehran is seeking to delay any potential deal with the United States until after the November midterm elections. Attempts to negotiate an end to the conflict through mediators, including Qatar, still make little progress. Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a seven-day-long process of reversing U.S. sanctions and its naval blockade against Iranian ports, but Washington denied the proposal last month.
The Trump administration is still demanding restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, though Vice President JD Vance indicated this week that Washington is willing to talk about a “meaningful” reduction in uranium enrichment rather than a total end to the practice.
On October 8, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran is currently reviewing Washington’s response to its most recent proposal and could reply in days.
Could Strikes Come Before the Midterms?
President Donald Trump has so far refrained from launching new strikes against Iran, potentially owing to midterm election polling showing Americans dissatisfied with the war and concerned about rising energy costs.
Launching new strikes before November 3 is therefore a major risk, but the White House may hope strikes communicate American strength to both Tehran and U.S. voters.
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, and he produces and edits analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
