The US and Israel are preparing to launch new strikes on Iran
President Trump is considering using the "Mother of All Bombs" against Iran. According to The New York Times, US and Israeli aircraft have begun strike exercises in the skies over Iraq. Iran, meanwhile, remains uncompromising: they intend to extend retaliatory strikes to data centers and undersea internet cables in the Middle East.
The US and Israel are preparing for new strikes on Iran
The nearly eight-month conflict of the US and Israel with Iran may enter a new phase. The militaries of the two countries have drawn up specific plans for further strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections.
The operation is expected to be short but intense. Some military planners believe a three-day campaign could severely damage Iran's economy and force Tehran to make concessions. According to the publication, as part of the preparations, US and Israeli aircraft are practicing strike maneuvers in the skies over Iraq. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss the new strikes.
Targets could include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenal. However, some officials say oil refineries and oil infrastructure will be bypassed, as US President Donald Trump does not want gasoline prices to rise any further.
Iran's nuclear program is also in the plans. In particular, an attack could be launched on a deeply buried underground facility known as "Pickaxe Mountain". Last week, Trump said he was considering using the nearly 10-ton MOAB bomb, nicknamed the "Mother of All Bombs," against it. However, experts say the MOAB detonates above ground, making it unlikely to destroy a facility under a granite mountain.
When the strike will be launched, or whether it will be launched at all, depends on Trump's decision. He has repeatedly rejected plans to return to major fighting this year. At the beginning of October, the air forces of both countries were also on high alert, but Trump postponed the attack at the last minute. One commander said such decisions were causing "daily whiplash" among military planners.
Officials consider the likelihood of Trump launching an attack in October itself to be small. One of the reasons for this is the president's promise not to strike until the November elections. Furthermore, US military forces, including three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, and special operations forces, will only be fully deployed in early November.