The Pentagon has instructed the U.S. Central Command to prepare for a possible resumption of major military operations against Iran, according to a report by Axios citing U.S. officials.
The directive was issued several days ago but did not specify when any potential strikes could take place. U.S. President Donald Trump has also not made a final decision on whether to launch renewed military action, the report said.
U.S. and Israeli officials told Axios that major combat operations could potentially resume before the U.S. midterm elections, and possibly before Israel holds its elections a week earlier.
If military operations are restarted, they could involve large-scale U.S. strikes against Iranian energy facilities, critical infrastructure and nuclear-related sites, according to the report.
A Pentagon official told Axios that the department’s responsibility is to develop and present military options to the president for consideration.
Meanwhile, Trump’s national security team reportedly met at Camp David on Friday for several hours. According to an Israeli official cited by Axios, part of the meeting focused on preparations for a possible resumption of major military operations against Iran.
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have also reportedly stalled. Axios said Qatari mediators are still waiting for Iran to respond to a U.S. counterproposal that seeks concessions on Tehran’s nuclear program.
Trump also spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, marking their second conversation in just a few days. If major combat operations resume, the United States and Israel are expected to coordinate closely, with the Israeli military potentially taking part.
However, no final decision has been announced, and the timing and scope of any possible military action remain uncertain. Let us hope that wars come to an end forever, because conflicts are causing shortages of essential gas, petrol and diesel supplies around the world.
