US, Israel Prepare for Major New Iran Offensive

Preparations are advancing for a short but intensive campaign that could target Iran’s nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure and missile and drone arsenal.

By United with Israel Staff

The United States and Israel have developed specific plans for a renewed military offensive against Iran following the U.S. midterm elections, as an Israeli security official warned that the likelihood of another war is growing, according to a report by The New York Times.

Citing U.S. officials and others briefed on the deliberations, the Times reported that preparations are advancing for a short but intensive campaign that could target Iran’s nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure and missile and drone arsenal.

The two militaries have also stepped up preparations and exercises, including flying aircraft over Iraq to practice maneuvers that could be used in an attack on Iran, according to the report.

Some officials reportedly believe another major round of attacks could inflict enough damage on Iran’s already struggling economy to force Tehran to make diplomatic concessions after months of conflict.

The report comes as Israeli officials increasingly warn that the chances of another confrontation are rising.

“As time passes, we are increasingly likely to have to go through another confrontation with Iran,” an Israeli security official said.

“Everything can change, but between a reality in which we reach an agreement with Iran or attack, the likelihood of war is growing,” the official added.

The official said two major questions remain: what Iran does in the meantime and whether Tehran accelerates activities that Israel views as threatening.

“We are prepared for all scenarios in coordination with the United States and countries in the region,” the official said.

The growing preparations were on display this week as the Israeli and American militaries stepped up exercises related to a potential confrontation with Iran.

The New York Times reported that American and Israeli aircraft have flown over Iraq to practice strike maneuvers as planning for a potential operation progresses.

The preparations come as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel this week and met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Times reported Thursday that Hegseth and Netanyahu specifically discussed potential new strikes against Iran during their meeting.

Hegseth subsequently confirmed that he had met Netanyahu while visiting U.S. troops in Israel, but declined to reveal the substance of their conversation.

“Of course, the nature of our conversations is not something I would talk about, but they’ve been good partners and I appreciate that,” Hegseth said.

Trump, meanwhile, issued another warning to Tehran on Wednesday, saying the United States is not currently negotiating with Iran and suggesting that a decision could come soon.

“We are not negotiating with” Iran, Trump told reporters.

“Something one way or another will happen, fairly soon,” he said. “Most people seem to think it’s after the election.”

Earlier Wednesday, Trump said the U.S. could end the conflict now but wanted to ensure that the outcome would last.

“It’ll end very soon. We could leave now, but we want to make sure it lasts for a long time,” Trump said, while reiterating that Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon.”

The increasingly explicit warnings come as Washington continues assembling substantial military forces in the region.

The United States is sending the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group toward the Middle East, along with the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Two other American aircraft carriers, the USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush, are already operating in the region, giving Washington substantial additional firepower should Trump authorize another round of strikes.

With U.S. and Israeli forces preparing and Trump warning that “something” will happen “fairly soon,” the prospect of another major confrontation with Iran is growing.