IDF: No Iran strike planned before US midterm elections

Following a wave of statements, threats and reports of plans for a major strike, the IDF is now attempting to calm the waters.

According to military correspondent Yoav Yehoshua on i24News, senior IDF officials said Thursday evening that "there is no reason to attack Iran before the elections, unless we see the other side preparing to fire. Everything else can wait."

The officials also addressed a report published Wednesday in the Financial Times, which claimed Israel had planned a large-scale attack on Iran about two weeks ago but was stopped by US President Donald Trump. According to the officials, "Trump did not stop us from striking Iran because it was not on the table." However, they confirmed that "there was an increase in readiness and briefing of the system in accordance with American guidance."

Regarding an Israeli aircraft that approached the Iranian border, the military officials claimed it was not unusual or new, and was "part of routine operations."

As noted, the Financial Times reported Wednesday that Israel initiated a strike on Iran planned for October 10, but was blocked by President Trump, who opposed an attack before the midterm elections.

According to the report, Prime Minister Netanyahu tried to convince the American president to allow the resumption of military action against Iran, partly due to Israeli concerns about new developments in Iran's nuclear program. But Trump, the report claimed, was not interested in opening another round of fighting before the US midterm elections, scheduled for November 3. Following his opposition, the military move Netanyahu sought to advance did not proceed.

In addition, the New York Times reported this morning that Israel and the United States have prepared detailed operational plans to resume strikes on the Islamic Republic after the midterm elections. According to the report, one option under consideration is a short, intensive military campaign targeting sites connected to Iran's nuclear program, missile and drone systems, and additional infrastructure.

According to the report, some American officials estimate that a concentrated attack lasting about three days could inflict significant economic damage on Iran, thereby increasing pressure on it to reach agreements in negotiations. As part of the military preparations, it was reported that Israel and the US have increased training and air activity in the region, including flights over Iraq simulating possible strike routes toward Iran.