Trump leans toward major military action against Iran after US midterms

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that US President Donald Trump is leaning toward launching intensive strikes against Iran after the upcoming congressional midterm elections, scheduled for November 3.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the sources said Trump has not made a final decision, but is inclined to order a broad offensive after the elections, potentially targeting Iran’s infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Regional parties continue mediation efforts, but so far without tangible results. When asked on Wednesday about the possibility of further strikes on Iran after the elections, Trump responded, “Anything is possible.”

Flight tracking data and informed officials indicated that the US military has sent an additional Patriot air defense system from Texas to Israel to bolster its missile defenses. Washington has also repositioned its forces away from bases deemed most vulnerable in the Middle East in anticipation of any escalation.

The American newspaper reported that US forces in the region are replenishing their ammunition stocks, while bombers and fighter jets are preparing for potential strikes. An additional carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit are also on standby to join a fleet of around 20 other US warships operating in the region over the next month.

Meanwhile, Israel has drawn up its own plans and targets for a new offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to push for renewed strikes in hopes of further weakening Iran, and possibly toppling its regime in the long term.

The White House, for its part, said it would not comment on “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist,” but emphasized that “Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Some experts believe Washington currently holds a strong hand by maintaining sanctions and pressure, while analysts doubt that additional strikes would force Iran to surrender. They note that Iran has withstood more than 20,000 US and Israeli strikes during the most intense phases of the conflict, and has continued to threaten US interests and negotiate forcefully.

In response, Iran has warned through both public and private channels that it will retaliate against any attack with powerful strikes targeting economic and civilian sites across the region.