The US military has drawn up options for renewed attacks on Iran, according to the Washington-based website The Hill, raising the prospect of another round of major fighting in a war approaching its eighth month. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US forces in the Middle East, has plans ready for follow-up strikes if authorised by the White House, the outlet reported. It also said military planners had prepared several options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The report focused on possible attacks after the November 3 US midterm elections. But President Donald Trump suggested on Saturday that the United States could strike as soon as “tomorrow”, while also holding out the possibility of a “big, beautiful” agreement with Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, accused Washington of derailing negotiations but said efforts to reach an agreement should continue.
With both sides warning of further attacks, could the conflict tip back into full-scale war? The latest reporting suggests military preparations are advancing, although it remains unclear which options Trump might approve or when. Earlier this month, Axios reported that the Pentagon had instructed CENTCOM to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations.
Its sources said a renewed campaign could target Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure and nuclear sites. Those preparations do not amount to an order to attack. The decision ultimately rests with Trump, whose public statements continue to leave room for both military action and negotiations.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, The New York Times reported that the US and Israel have drawn up joint plans for an attack on Iran after the midterm elections. The reports come alongside US warnings about alleged Iranian threats to American personnel overseas. An intelligence memo sent on Friday by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran had “substantially increased efforts to target US personnel”, with lethal plots reaching “advanced stages” in the Middle East and elsewhere.
The Department of State has ordered staffing reductions at several regional embassies amid the warnings. The publicly reported memo did not identify specific targets or establish when any alleged attacks might occur. Trump has added to the uncertainty.
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