NYT: US and Israeli militaries drew up plan for new strikes on Iran after 3 November
In short
Russian outlets, citing the New York Times, reported that US and Israeli militaries have drawn up a plan to resume strikes on Iran that could be carried out after the US midterm elections on 3 November. RIA Novosti said the operation would be short but intense, probably lasting three days.
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US and Israeli military officials have developed a concrete plan to resume strikes on Iran, which could be carried out after the US midterm elections, RIA Novosti reported on 22 October, citing a newspaper. TASS and RBC attributed the report to the New York Times. RBC said the military agencies of the two countries drew up plans for new strikes that could begin after the elections. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
According to RIA Novosti's account, likely targets include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear sites and its arsenal of missiles and drones. Refineries and oil infrastructure would not be hit, the report said, because Trump wants to prevent a further rise in gas prices. The operation is described as 'short but intense', probably lasting three days. [ 2 ]
The report says there is a small chance the strikes could come this month, but there are 'many political reasons' for them to take place after the congressional elections on 3 November. [ 2 ]
RIA Novosti added earlier context. It said Al Jazeera reported in October, citing Anna Kelly, a deputy head of the president's press service, that the US and Israel did not plan to attack Tehran jointly before the midterm elections. Trump said earlier in October that things with Iran were going 'very well', ruled out sending US troops into Iran and promised a decision on Iran soon. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the US against another attack, saying a response could follow. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The reports tie possible new military action against Iran to the timing of the US congressional elections. The documents give only second-hand accounts of the plan and say the strikes are not certain.
Key facts
- US and Israeli military officials have developed a plan for new strikes on Iran, according to a report attributed to the New York Times. [ 1 , 3 ]
- The plan could be carried out after the US midterm elections. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The congressional elections are on 3 November. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Likely targets include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear sites and its missile and drone arsenal; refineries and oil infrastructure would not be hit. [ 2 ]
- The operation is described as short but intense, probably lasting three days. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the strikes will happen and when. RIA Novosti said the report describes a small chance of strikes this month, but also 'many political reasons' for them to come after the 3 November elections.
- Whether the US and Israel have decided to carry out the plan. The documents describe a plan that 'could' be implemented, not a decision. Only RIA Novosti gives details, relaying the report.