Published by PK-News.com | PK-News Digital News & Research Desk
The United States and Israel have reportedly developed plans for possible renewed military strikes against Iran after upcoming elections, raising fresh concerns about the future of regional security and stalled diplomatic efforts.

According to a report by The New York Times, cited by Anadolu Agency on October 22, US and Israeli military planners have advanced preparations for a potential short but intensive campaign. The reported planning includes military exercises designed to practise strike operations, including flights over Iraq.

The potential targets could include Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile and drone arsenal, and energy infrastructure. The report also identified the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain site as a possible target in discussions about Iran’s nuclear programme.

No final decision to launch a new campaign has been confirmed. The existence of military plans indicates that options are being considered, but it does not establish that an attack will take place.

Elections and the Timing of Possible Military Action

The reported preparations come as both the United States and Israel approach important elections. Israel’s election is scheduled for October 27, while US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3.

President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the United States will not attack Iran before the US midterm elections, saying Washington is engaged in productive discussions with Tehran. His administration has also maintained that it wants to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, recent reports indicate that military preparations continue while officials consider possible next steps if negotiations fail. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Israel this week. Hegseth confirmed the meeting but did not disclose the details of their discussions.

The timing of any potential action remains uncertain, and public statements about diplomacy have not ruled out the possibility of military escalation after the elections.

What Could Be Targeted?

According to the reported planning, a renewed campaign could focus on several areas:

Nuclear facilities: Sites associated with Iran’s nuclear programme, including deeply buried infrastructure.

Missile and drone capabilities: Facilities and systems linked to Iran’s military weapons programmes.

Energy infrastructure: Selected installations that could affect Iran’s energy sector.

These are reported potential targets, not confirmed operational orders. The precise scope of any future action, should one be authorised, remains unclear.

Regional Security and Economic Risks

Any renewed US-Israeli strikes could trigger retaliation from Iran and increase risks for neighbouring countries. During the earlier conflict, Iran launched missile and drone attacks across the region, while tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz disrupted a critical route for international energy shipments.

Further escalation could threaten commercial shipping, energy infrastructure and regional security. It could also put additional pressure on oil markets and fuel prices, with potential consequences for businesses and consumers worldwide.

For Pakistan and other countries dependent on imported energy, instability in the Gulf region could create additional economic uncertainty. The scale of any impact would depend on whether hostilities resume, how long they continue and whether shipping routes are disrupted again.

Diplomacy Remains Uncertain

Diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, have faced difficulties over disagreements surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The reported military preparations suggest that Washington and Jerusalem are maintaining options in case negotiations do not produce an agreement. Nevertheless, the US administration has not publicly confirmed that a renewed attack has been authorised.

The situation remains fluid. The coming days and weeks may be important in determining whether diplomatic contacts can prevent another round of fighting or whether military pressure increases after the elections.

PK-News.com will continue to follow developments involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with updates on regional security, diplomacy and possible economic consequences