Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a major military strike against Iran, potentially after the midterm elections. Two anonymous US officials told CNN that the operation could target Iranian energy infrastructure as well as 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 in preparation for a broader Middle East operation. “It will be a big effort,” one official told CNN, while cautioning that the attack could happen at any time, though a post-election strike was considered more likely. The Daily Mail has contacted the White House for comment. The report follows Trump’s comments on Saturday that he “could” launch another attack on Iran. “There’s also a possibility we’ll have a nice big beautiful agreement,” he said. Trump also reiterated his backing for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and encouraged 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 backs Netanyahu and condemns 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 had previously issued a formal endorsement of Netanyahu in a lengthy statement that described the Israeli leader as “strong, brave and brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition.” “Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down,” he added.
Israel vote tests Netanyahu’s leadership
Israelis are due to vote Tuesday in the first national election since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, in a contest widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership. The vote comes as tensions across the Middle East raise growing concerns about the safety of 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.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Jon Hamm, 55, Steps Out With Pregnant Wife Anna Osceola, 38, After Admitting He’s “Terrified” to Become an Older Father
Israelis are due to vote Tuesday in the first national election since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, in a contest widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership. The vote comes as tensions across the Middle East raise growing concerns about the safety of 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 adjusts embassy staffing amid Iran concerns
“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 concerns about a possible Iranian escalation, Washington has adjusted staffing levels at several American embassies across the Middle East, including posts in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The US also ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
