White House asks Pentagon to prepare options for strikes on Iran — Jerusalem Post
In the United States, the White House asked the Pentagon to prepare options for possible strikes on Iran by November 3, but President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on the use of force. The Jerusalem Post, citing The Atlantic magazine, reported this with reference to two administration officials.
Pentagon prepares operation scenarios
According to the outlet, the operation options are being developed by U.S. Central Command. Potential targets, the scale of the military operation and Trump's decision on whether to approve it remain under discussion.
The Atlantic's sources linked the preparation of possible strikes to Trump's desire to demonstrate progress in the confrontation with Iran and influence high gasoline prices ahead of the vote. Supporters of a limited operation believe it could give the president an opportunity to present a military success before the elections.
At the same time, even supporters of such a scenario acknowledge that the strikes themselves would not guarantee an agreement with Tehran, the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or lower fuel prices by voting day.
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Post-election actions are also being considered
The Pentagon also presented options for operations after the elections, ranging from limited attacks to a broader campaign that could include additional strikes on Iran's energy sector. Some of the president's advisers, according to The Atlantic, support postponing possible strikes over concerns that a resumption of hostilities, including the deaths of U.S. service members, could harm Republican Party candidates.
A White House official told the magazine that Trump has all options for action at any time, but did not answer questions about possible timing of the strikes. At the same time, Washington and Tehran continue contacts through intermediaries, but differences remain between the sides over a ceasefire, the U.S. blockade and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
It was previously reported that the Pentagon was considering increasing the U.S. naval presence in the Middle East. The number of U.S. personnel in the region was estimated at about 50,000 service members.
