Four Potential Targets: New US-Israeli Plans to Strike Iran

Washington and Tel Aviv are examining new military scenarios against Iran, with potential targets ranging from nuclear facilities to energy infrastructure.

The New York Times reported the deliberations, citing US officials and other people familiar with the discussions. Neither the White House nor Israel has confirmed the information.

According to the newspaper, “the US and Israeli militaries have drawn up specific plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the congressional midterm elections”.

As planning advances for a short but intensive operation, the two militaries have stepped up their exercises, the newspaper said.

US officials said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss further strikes.

What Are the Potential Targets?

According to the newspaper, four categories of potential targets are under consideration:

• Energy infrastructure.
• Nuclear facilities.
• The missile arsenal.
• Drones.

Some officials believe another round of large-scale attacks could push Iran’s economy towards collapse and force the country to make diplomatic concessions after nearly eight months of conflict.

But Uncertainty Remains

The newspaper stressed, however, that Trump’s approval of renewed strikes is far from certain. It noted that he has repeatedly rejected plans this year to resume large-scale combat operations, including earlier this month, when the US and Israeli militaries were “on the verge of launching an attack”.

Israel’s elections, scheduled for 27 October, could also complicate the plans.

Experts say that if Netanyahu loses, he would become a caretaker prime minister, making it more difficult for him to launch a war.

Some analysts nevertheless believe he could use the prospect of an imminent joint US-Israeli strike to pressure his opponents into joining a national unity government to oversee the war. Such a move could prolong his time in power.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Netanyahu formed a national unity government that brought some opposition members into the war cabinet to help make national security decisions.

As the United States assembles a substantial arsenal that, according to the newspaper, will be fully ready by early November, diplomatic efforts and pressure on Iran are continuing. The aim is to secure progress on issues relating to its nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz.