US and Israel draft plans for possible Iran strikes after Congress elections: NYT

The United States and Israel have reportedly developed comprehensive strategies for potential military actions against Iran, according to recent reports. These plans, which are set to be executed following the US midterm elections on November 3, prioritize aggressive and concentrated strikes, potentially spanning three days. The focus of these attacks would be on Iran's nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone systems.

The joint military drills conducted by the two nations, such as flights over Iraq to simulate potential strikes, have further solidified their military cooperation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also discussed these plans during Netanyahu's recent visit to Israel.

The US and Israel came remarkably close to launching an attack earlier this month, but President Donald Trump ultimately decided to postpone it. As of now, Trump has not given his approval for a new military operation, while diplomatic talks with Iran are still ongoing.

Iranian authorities have vowed that any renewed aggression would provoke a wider retaliation, including strikes on data centers and undersea communication cables. The large-scale operation that was initially planned, according to a Financial Times report, had been intended to target civilian infrastructure, nuclear sites, and related facilities. However, President Trump's opposition to resuming hostilities before the midterm elections led to the cancellation of that operation.

Israel has reportedly prepared for a multi-day bombing campaign, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) being in readiness. The plans were expected to be more intense than the initial strikes carried out by Israel and the US in February. Israeli fighter jets have reportedly flown toward Iran over Syria and Iraq during an exercise conducted overnight between Monday and Tuesday.