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 department’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.
