Overview
- Journalistic investigations on Oct. 22–23 report that U.S. and Israeli planners have developed options for large-scale strikes to be carried out after the U.S. midterm elections.
- Multiple outlets link the planning to recent joint exercises and air operations that sources describe as offensive rehearsals near the Iranian border.
- President Donald Trump has said he would not order strikes before the midterms while also warning he could act quickly if no deal is reached.
- Iranian state television has broadcast footage it says shows underground factories producing advanced suicide drones, a signal of Tehran’s intent to deter or retaliate.
- Experts warn a post-election strike window could raise the risk of wider regional escalation and say military action is unlikely to produce a decisive diplomatic solution.