US and Israel draw up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the midterms, NYT reports

The US and Israeli militaries have drawn up specific plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November, the New York Times reported, citing US officials and others briefed on the deliberations. The plans envisage a short but intensive operation, and both militaries have stepped up exercises, including flying aircraft over Iraq to practise strike manoeuvres.Sources:1The New York Times (via The Irish Times): US and Israel draw up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The New York Times (via The Irish Times), 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2The Times of Israel: US, Israel said to draft plans for resumed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The Times of Israel, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

According to the report, likely targets include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities and missile and drone arsenals, and options include a possible strike on the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain (Kooh Kolang) nuclear site. Some officials said refineries could be spared to avoid pushing up fuel prices. The report followed a visit to Israel by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that week.Sources:1The New York Times (via The Irish Times): US and Israel draw up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The New York Times (via The Irish Times), 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2The Times of Israel: US, Israel said to draft plans for resumed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The Times of Israel, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3Stars and Stripes: US, Israel weigh new Iran strikes as attacks on Hormuz shipping mount, Stars and Stripes, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

President Donald Trump has not approved new strikes and has repeatedly called off a return to major combat, most recently in early October when the militaries were close to attacking, the Times reported. Trump said on 9 October that the US would not attack Iran before the midterms; officials said there was a small chance he could act this month. A White House official declined to comment beyond saying "all options are on the table" to stop Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.Sources:1The New York Times (via The Irish Times): US and Israel draw up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The New York Times (via The Irish Times), 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2The Times of Israel: US, Israel said to draft plans for resumed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The Times of Israel, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

Netanyahu called reports that he wants to strike but is being held back by Trump "incorrect". Israel holds an election on 27 October; analysts quoted by the Times said a caretaker prime minister would find it hard to launch a war. Iranian officials have threatened to widen retaliation to data centres and undersea internet cables, and Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful.Sources:1The New York Times (via The Irish Times): US and Israel draw up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The New York Times (via The Irish Times), 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2The Times of Israel: US, Israel said to draft plans for resumed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The Times of Israel, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

The report comes as attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz surge: at least 28 attacks on ships in the region this month, according to the Washington Institute's Noam Raydan, quoted by Stars and Stripes. Brent crude traded near $112 on Thursday, and the US is expected to have three aircraft carriers in the region by early November.Sources:1The New York Times (via The Irish Times): US and Israel draw up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after midterm elections, The New York Times (via The Irish Times), 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3Stars and Stripes: US, Israel weigh new Iran strikes as attacks on Hormuz shipping mount, Stars and Stripes, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)