President Donald Trump says that his administration is preparing to decide on Iran “very soon,” raising the possibility that the U.S. could return to military strikes against the Islamic Republic in the near future.
The president suggested on Tuesday, October 13, following reports that he had been discussing a new major military operation against Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli Air Force F-15I Image Credit IDF
Israeli F-16I Fighter. Image Credit IDF
Reports said that the discussions covered the possibility of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
The timing is interesting not only because the U.S. is preparing for a national election on November 3, but also because Israel is preparing for its parliamentary elections on October 27.
Earlier this month, Trump said he would not order new strikes before American voters went to the polls. Still, reports now suggest that the president has repeatedly reconsidered his position.
And the situation is becoming more complicated as Iran also prepares for another round of military strikes, taking steps to reinforce its nuclear facilities and even threatening to expand the war throughout the Middle East.
Iran continues its campaign against commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, too, with a cargo vessel reportedly sinking in the Strait of Hormuz after striking a naval mine.
Trump Says Decision Coming Soon
Speaking to reporters outside of the White House on Tuesday, President Trump described Iran as an economically destroyed country that can no longer support its military.
“Iran is a failed country. They have no economy. They have 300 percent inflation. They have no money. They’re not paying their troops. They’re not paying anybody. We’ll decide on Iran soon,” Trump said.
The president offered no additional context to suggest what he may be considering or whether it would involve a return to large-scale combat operations.
The remarks also come after his October 8 announcement that he would not go ahead with planned attacks against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections – comments that indicated that the U.S. is likely to return to combat operations, but that they could be at least several weeks away.
Netanyahu and Trump Discuss Strikes
On Tuesday, October 13, Axios reported that Trump and Netanyahu have engaged in discussions over launching a major new offensive against Iran before their respective elections — even after Trump publicly ruled them out.
Iron Dome from Israel. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
According to the report, which cited both Israeli and American officials, the leaders have held several conversations over the last two weeks about renewed strikes.
Netanyahu has reportedly expressed his concern that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear program following devastating U.S. and Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026.
Iran, according to the report, may even be developing new uranium enrichment facilities at its underground Pickaxe Mountain facility.
The discussions between the two leaders also reportedly included the possibility of a return to joint strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets.
After American officials met at Camp David on October 2 to discuss the president’s options, his advisers were reportedly divided.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command officials reportedly supported new strikes against Iran.
In contrast, other officials believed that economic pressure could force Iran to concede if given sufficient time.
Netanyahu’s View
On October 14, Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly indicated that he opposed launching another attack before Israel’s parliamentary election.
In an interview with Army Radio, Netanyahu said such an operation would be inconvenient for now.
“It is not convenient for us; it’s no good,” Netanyahu said.
Discussing his political rivals and their position on the war, Netanyahu said that he would be to blame even if Iran were to attack Israel.
“Even if Iran fires missiles at us, they will blame me,” he said.
The comments follow press allegations that Netanyahu was pressing Trump to resume fighting before the election. However, the Israeli PM did not rule out attacks after October 27.
It Could All Fail: Iran Prepares for Another War and Possible Revenge
Iran, meanwhile, is preparing for the possibility that Washington will abandon its strategy of economic pressure and return to bombing its military and nuclear sites.
A Wall Street Journal investigation published on October 13 revealed that Tehran has spent the recent period without U.S. strikes reinforcing its sensitive nuclear installations, including facilities near Natanz and Pickaxe Mountain.
Satellite imagery also appears to show improvements to its defensive measures around the mountain and entrances to the facility, and Iranian authorities are also reportedly organizing civilian military training and campaigns to prepare for another potential conflict.
The investigation in The Wall Street Journal noted that Iranian officials have also privately warned that new American strikes could trigger attacks against U.S. warships, as well as Saudi oil infrastructure.
The attacks could even lead to ground incursions into neighboring countries, raising the prospect of a much wider regional conflict.
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.
