Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a major strike on Iran, potentially after the midterm elections. Two unidentified US officials told CNN that the operation could target Iranian energy, nuclear and military sites. According to the network, American forces could begin the mission within 96 hours of receiving an order from the president. The Department of War has allegedly been moving additional troops and equipment into the region as part of preparations for a broader Middle East operation. “It will be a big effort,” one official told CNN, while cautioning that the strike could happen at any point, though it is considered more likely after the midterm elections. The Daily Mail has contacted the White House for comment. The report follows Trump’s remarks to reporters Saturday that there was “a possibility” he could launch another attack on Iran. “There’s also a possibility we’ll have a nice big beautiful agreement,” he said. Trump also reaffirmed his backing for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called on Israelis to vote for him so they could “finish the job” in Iran. “When you go to the Polls please remember that Bibi has been an outstanding warrior prime minister!”
Trump renews support for Netanyahu and denounces anti-US chants
Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social. “Israel was called the little satan, with the United States being called the big satan, by some very evil people,” he wrote. “There can no longer be the chant heard around the world of ‘Death to America, death to Israel,’ and there won’t be.” Trump has previously issued an official endorsement of Netanyahu, describing the Israeli leader as “strong, brave and brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition.” “Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down,” he added.
Israeli election puts Netanyahu’s leadership under scrutiny
Israeli voters are due to go to the polls Tuesday in the country’s first national election since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. The contest is widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership. The vote comes as conditions across the Middle East grow more dangerous for US personnel. Intelligence officials warned last week that Iran had “substantially increased efforts to target US personnel,” according to an unclassified memo. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent the October 23 document to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying the information had come “through various channels” without providing further details.
Israeli voters are due to go to the polls Tuesday in the country’s first national election since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. The contest is widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership. The vote comes as conditions across the Middle East grow more dangerous for US personnel. Intelligence officials warned last week that Iran had “substantially increased efforts to target US personnel,” according to an unclassified memo. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent the October 23 document to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying the information had come “through various channels” without providing further details.
US changes embassy staffing as concerns over Iran intensify
“The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,” Clayton wrote in the one-page memo, first reported by Axios. A US official confirmed the document to Our News Outlet on Saturday afternoon. Amid fears of a possible Iranian escalation, Washington has revised staffing levels at several American embassies across the Middle East, including posts in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. On Wednesday, the US instructed non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
