Trump Leaning Toward Broad Iran Strike After Midterms

President Donald Trump is leaning toward a broad military operation against Iran once next week's US midterm elections are over, although he has not made a final decision. Israel's N12 and The Wall Street Journal both reported on the deliberations. Iran's nuclear facilities and its critical infrastructure are among the possible targets.

Washington has told several Arab Gulf states to prepare for a short but intense campaign against Iran, according to the Journal. The messages were passed along through both diplomatic and military channels.

More American firepower is on its way. Next month, a further aircraft carrier strike group is due in the region, along with a Marine Corps expeditionary force. Those forces would reinforce a fleet of about 20 US warships already in Middle Eastern waters. Some of the arriving ships may relieve vessels currently deployed rather than expand the overall force.

The reports came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed supporters early Wednesday following Israel's parliamentary election. His Likud party remained the largest in the Knesset.

Trump and Netanyahu during a White House visit (Photo: The White House)

Netanyahu opened his election-night speech by turning to Iran.

"We have brought the Iranian regime to the brink of collapse. And yet I tell you, this is still not over. Because as long as this fanatical regime exists, a regime that has defined its very purpose as destroying our existence, it will try again to destroy us."

"We have the power, together with our wonderful friend President Trump, to remove this threat once and for all," Netanyahu declared.

On Tuesday night, his main rival, Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, demanded that he resign, calling him "a caretaker prime minister without a mandate or public trust." Eisenkot spoke before overnight revisions to the exit polls changed the projected balance between the blocs. He also urged senior defense officials to "stand firm against any attempt to challenge you," and warned Netanyahu: "Do not dare use Israel's security for your political purposes."

On Sunday, Trump reposted his endorsement of Netanyahu, calling on Israeli voters to rally behind him on election day and telling them the two leaders must finish the mission. On Tuesday, an Open Source Intel flash reported that Iran had barred IAEA inspectors from damaged nuclear sites, including Isfahan.