US and Israel plan to resume strikes on Iran
The US and Israel are preparing new strikes on Iran. The operation could begin after the US Congressional elections on November 3. Among the possible targets are nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone arsenals.
US and Israel preparing to resume strikes on Iran
The United States and Israel are developing a plan for new strikes against Iran, which could begin after the US congressional midterm elections on November 3, The Times of Israel reports, citing the New York Times.
According to the NYT, this involves a short-term but highly intensive operation. As part of the preparations, the US and Israeli militaries have stepped up exercises.
Likely targets include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, as well as missile and drone arsenals. As NYT sources note, a new wave of strikes could inflict severe damage on Iran's economy and force Tehran to make concessions.
NYT sources claim that the US is unlikely to strike Iranian oil infrastructure, as US President Donald Trump seeks to prevent a further rise in fuel prices. At the same time, according to sources, the underground nuclear facility "Pickaxe" could become one of the targets.
The NYT does not rule out that Trump may refrain from military action against Iran, as he has previously canceled decisions to resume strikes on multiple occasions.
The threat of resuming air attacks is being used as a leverage tool in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, as well as on the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz, the NYT writes.
Iran, for its part, has threatened to expand its list of targets in response to the strikes. In addition to ships and energy infrastructure, data centers and undersea internet cables could come under attack.