Axios reported the Pentagon instructed CENTCOM days ago to prepare to resume large-scale operations against Iran. No timing was set and Trump has not made a final decision, but US and Israeli sources said strikes could occur before the US midterm elections on Nov. 3, and possibly before the Israeli election a week earlier. Officials said a restart of large-scale operations would likely involve intensive strikes on Iranian energy, infrastructure and nuclear sites and would probably be coordinated with Israel, potentially including Israeli forces. A Pentagon official said the departmentā€™s role is to develop and present military options to the president; a White House official said the president can act at any time. Two Israeli officials said Iran appears desperate and paranoid and could strike first. 07-OCT-2026 07:30 PM ET