The Pentagon several days ago instructed US Central Command to conclude preparations for resuming major combat operations against Iran, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing senior American officials. President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision, but US and Israeli sources say renewed strikes could take place before the November 3 midterm elections — and possibly even before Israel's own elections, expected a week earlier.

What the directive says

According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, reporting for Israeli broadcaster N12, the directive did not set a specific date for launching any offensive. The decision now rests with Trump.

If major combat operations resume, they are expected to include extensive strikes on Iranian energy, infrastructure, and nuclear targets, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. A renewed campaign would likely be conducted jointly with Israel.

"The Department's job is to develop and present military options to the President," a Pentagon official told Axios, emphasizing that no deadline had been set.

The election calendar

Timing is central to the story. US and Israeli officials told Axios that renewed combat operations could take place before the US midterm elections on November 3 — and possibly ahead of Israel's legislative elections, expected a week earlier on October 27.

The report emerged a day after a call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu marking three years since the October 7, 2023, attack, and after Netanyahu's meeting with his national security team on Iran.

Trump's national security team met at Camp David on Friday for several hours to discuss the war and other issues. According to L'Orient Today, an Israeli official said part of the meeting focused on a possible resumption of major combat operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio afterward said only that the meeting focused on "long-term" foreign policy planning. The Atlantic has separately reported that Trump is weighing a strike on Iran before the midterms.

Why it matters now

The groundwork for renewed fighting is already visible:

  • A carrier is in place. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week visited the USS Abraham Lincoln and presented the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation — the highest honor a unit can receive — for "40 days of combat operations and an ironclad maritime blockade against Iran in support of Operation Epic Fury," as AP News reported.
  • The blockade is biting. The US controls the Strait of Hormuz and enforces an oil blockade that has pushed Iran's economy toward freefall. Tehran's conditions for easing the standoff — including a halt to the blockade — remain unmet; see our report on the seven conditions behind the Hormuz standoff.
  • Tehran is paranoid. Two Israeli officials told Axios that Iran, having been hit by two surprise attacks already, "is desperate and paranoid" and might strike first rather than wait for a third surprise.
  • Domestic politics intrude. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday showed Trump's approval at a record low of 32%, with cost of living the top issue for voters — and the war has driven up fuel prices across shipping, trucking, air travel, and food.

What comes next

One Israeli official cautioned that talk of renewed operations has increased but that "the chances of it happening before the elections are not high, but we don't rule it out. After the midterms, the chances of it happening increase significantly."

A White House official, speaking anonymously, said Trump "has all options available at any time," adding: "The U.S. is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy collapsing. Iran has been decimated, and things will go one of two ways: the easy way or the hard way."

The directive is best read as what it literally is: a military preparing options. But it also functions as pressure — on Tehran to come to terms, and as a signal to allies and adversaries alike that the pause in fighting is a decision, not a default.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly did the Pentagon order CENTCOM to do?

The Pentagon instructed US Central Command to complete preparations for resuming major combat operations against Iran, according to Axios, citing senior US officials. No date was set and President Trump has not made a final decision.

When could strikes happen?

US and Israeli sources told Axios that renewed combat operations could take place before the US midterm elections on November 3, and possibly before Israel's elections a week earlier. One Israeli official said the chances are higher after the midterms.

What targets would be hit?

Axios, citing sources familiar with the matter, said extensive strikes would likely target Iranian energy, infrastructure, and nuclear facilities.

Would Israel participate?

According to Axios, if operations resume they would likely be conducted jointly with Israel, which has been in close coordination with Washington on the Iran war.

How does this relate to the current blockade?

The US enforces a maritime blockade on Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside economic sanctions that have contributed to the Iranian economy's collapse. The preparations for renewed strikes would represent a major escalation beyond that pressure campaign.