Washington Prepares for Extensive Strikes Against Iran Awaiting Trump's Decision

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The Pentagon has issued directives to the U.S. Central Command "CENTCOM" to complete preparations for resuming large-scale combat operations against Iran, as U.S. President Donald Trump considers the timing of a potential military move, amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

According to a report by Axios, published by journalist Barak Ravid on Thursday, citing U.S. officials, the instructions were issued several days ago, without specifying a date for the start of the strikes, while Trump has not made a final decision regarding the resumption of operations.

The site reported that U.S. and Israeli sources indicated that military action could occur before the upcoming U.S. midterm elections in November, and possibly before the Israeli elections scheduled a week earlier.

The report noted that the resumption of large-scale combat operations could involve intensive bombing of Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure, and nuclear sites.

The return to war in the next three to four weeks could affect the American electoral landscape, especially with the possibility of rising oil prices due to the escalation.

In a comment on the information, a Pentagon official stated that the mission of the Department of Defense is to prepare military options and present them to the president.

A White House official also confirmed that all options remain available to Trump, considering that Washington has a strong position given its control over the Strait of Hormuz and the economic pressures imposed on Iran, according to his statement.

The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that Trump is considering launching strikes against Iran before the midterm elections.

Axios revealed that the U.S. National Security team held a meeting that lasted for hours at Camp David last Friday to discuss the war and other files.

An Israeli official stated that part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations against Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the discussions addressed long-term foreign policy planning.

In the diplomatic track, the report indicated that there has been no progress in U.S.-Iranian negotiations, explaining that Qatari mediators are still waiting for Tehran's response to a counter U.S. proposal that includes demands for concessions on the nuclear issue.

The site quoted a second Israeli official as saying that the discussion about resuming the war is increasing, but he relatively ruled out the possibility of that happening before the elections, noting that the chances of military action rise after they conclude.

In a related development, Trump made a phone call on Wednesday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the second between them in days, following a long period of limited communications.

The call came after Netanyahu held a meeting with his national security team to discuss the Iranian file, and he had also spoken with Rubio on Monday.

According to Israeli sources, any resumption of large-scale military operations may witness American-Israeli coordination and direct participation from the Israeli army. The sources also warned of the possibility that Iran might initiate a preemptive strike, amid fears of a new surprise attack.

These developments raise concerns about a wider regional confrontation, especially with the possibility of Iran responding by launching ballistic missiles at Israel.

Despite the escalation of military preparations, the decision to resume the war remains in Trump's hands, while diplomatic channels remain open without any breakthroughs so far.