US and Israel reportedly prepare plans for possible post-election strikes on Iran

2026-10-22

The New York Times reported that US and Israeli officials are developing plans for a short, intensive operation that could begin after the US midterm elections on Nov. 3.
Possible targets include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenals, according to the reports.
US-Israeli military exercises have intensified, including flights over Iraq to rehearse strike maneuvers, the reports said.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to discuss possible renewed strikes, according to the reports.
No new attack has been approved; Trump has previously blocked plans to resume major combat, but said the US could hit one or two remaining nuclear sites in 10 minutes, while diplomatic efforts continue.
Ukrainska Pravda, citing the New York Times, reported that some US officials believe further attacks could push Iran’s economy toward collapse and force diplomatic concessions.