- White House asks Pentagon to prepare military options as Washington weighs security, energy and political risks of renewed action against Tehran
WASHINGTON: The White House has asked the Pentagon to develop options for possible strikes against Iranian targets ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, according to a report by The Atlantic, citing US officials familiar with the discussions.
No final decision has been made on whether military action will take place before Election Day. Officials are still considering the potential targets, scale and timing of any operation, while President Donald Trump has kept open the possibility of resuming US strikes against Iran.
According to The Atlantic, the administration is weighing military options amid continuing concerns over the conflict, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and elevated energy prices. Some officials believe limited military action could demonstrate progress and strengthen Washington’s position, while others caution that an operation could carry significant military, economic and political risks.
US Central Command has been involved in preparing the military options. However, officials acknowledge that limited strikes alone would be unlikely to compel Tehran to return to negotiations, restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz or produce an immediate reduction in US gasoline prices.
The Pentagon is also examining options for military operations after the midterm elections, including potentially broader strikes against Iranian military and energy infrastructure, according to the report.
The debate comes as Washington continues to face pressure over fuel prices and the economic consequences of the conflict. At the same time, officials are concerned that renewed hostilities could expose thousands of US personnel and regional partners to retaliation and further intensify instability across the Middle East.
The United States has already strengthened its military presence in the region, with additional forces and naval assets deployed amid preparations for possible escalation.
The timing of any potential operation remains particularly sensitive. Some administration advisers reportedly favor waiting until after the elections, while others argue that limited action before the vote could demonstrate US military strength.
The conflicting assessments underscore the difficult choices facing the Trump administration as it balances military strategy, diplomatic efforts, energy prices and the risks of a wider regional confrontation.
Meanwhile, Washington and Tehran remain at odds over the conditions for ending the conflict. US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran would need to make significant reductions to its nuclear enrichment capacity as part of any agreement to end the war, while Tehran has continued to defend its right to enrichment.
For now, the possibility of US military action before November 3 remains under consideration, rather than a confirmed decision, with the administration continuing to assess both the potential benefits and the risks of renewed strikes against Iran.
BY: The Times Union
