White House Reportedly Requests Iran Strike Options Before U.S. Midterms

The White House has reportedly asked the Pentagon to prepare options for attacks on Iranian targets that could be carried out before the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. Two unnamed administration officials described planning by U.S. Central Command, while potential targets, the scale of an operation and whether President Donald Trump will authorize action remain undecided. The report links the discussions to Trump’s desire to show progress in the conflict and reduce fuel prices before the vote. Advocates of limited strikes reportedly acknowledge that such action alone would not secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz or bring Iran into negotiations.