Axios: The Pentagon Ordered Central Command to Prepare to Resume Strikes Against Iran

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American officials have stated that the Pentagon issued instructions to the U.S. Central Command a few days ago to complete preparations for resuming large-scale combat operations in Iran, according to the Axios intelligence website.

The directives did not include a specific date for launching strikes, and President Trump has not made any final decisions yet.

However, American and Israeli sources indicate that this step could take place before the U.S. midterm elections, and possibly before the Israeli elections that precede them by a week, as mentioned by the site.

Sources say that if large-scale combat operations resume, they are expected to include intensive bombing of Iranian targets related to the energy sector, infrastructure, and the nuclear program.

The resumption of war in the next three to four weeks may affect the results of the midterm elections, partly due to the possibility of rising oil prices in response to this move.

A Pentagon official told Axios: "The department's mission is to prepare and present military options to the president."

A White House official also mentioned that all options are available to Trump at any time.

The official said: "The United States has a very strong position thanks to its control over the Strait of Hormuz and the collapse of the Iranian economy. Iran has been severely affected, and things will go in one of two directions: either the easy path or the hard path."

He added: "President Trump has all the cards and will make the best decision for the United States."

The Atlantic magazine had reported earlier on Wednesday that Trump is considering striking Iran before the midterm elections.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have made no progress; the Qatari mediators are still waiting for an Iranian response to a counter-proposal from the U.S. that included demands for nuclear concessions.

An Israeli official said: "There is increasing talk about the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations in Iran. Although the chances of this happening before the elections are not high, we do not rule it out. After the midterm elections, the likelihood of this occurring increases significantly."

President Trump had a conversation on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was their second call in a few days, following a long period of communication breakdown that lasted several weeks.

An American official mentioned that Trump and Netanyahu discussed "commemorating the victims of the October 7 massacre and paying respect to them."

The call came after a meeting held by Netanyahu with his national security team to discuss the Iranian file, according to the senior Israeli official.

Netanyahu also had a conversation with Rubio on Monday.

If major combat operations resume, it is likely to be coordinated jointly between the United States and Israel, with the participation of the Israeli army.

The two Israeli officials indicated that the Iranian regime is experiencing a state of desperation and severe paranoia, which may drive it to launch a preemptive strike.

They added that the Iranians have been subjected to two surprise attacks and do not wish to face a third attack.

The resumption of the war may also affect the Israeli elections, as Iran is likely to respond by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles at the country.

The renewal of escalation - or even just an increase in tension or the declaration of a state of emergency - could politically benefit Netanyahu and prevent his opponents from attacking him in the critical final phase of the election campaign.