Axios: Energy stations and nuclear goals part of Iran strike plans

The American website Axios reported on Thursday that U.S. officials said the Pentagon has issued directives to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to complete preparations for resuming large-scale combat operations against Iran, as President Donald Trump considers the timing of a potential military strike amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. According to the website’s report, the orders were issued several days ago, with no specific date set for the start of strikes, and Trump has not yet made a final decision on resuming operations. The site quoted U.S. and Israeli sources as saying the military move could occur before the U.S. congressional midterm elections in November, and possibly before the Israeli elections scheduled a week earlier. The report noted that resuming large-scale combat operations could include intense bombing of Iranian energy facilities, infrastructure, and nuclear sites. In response to the information, a Pentagon official said the Defense Department’s role is to prepare military options and present them to the president. A White House official also affirmed that all options remain available to Trump, noting that Washington holds a strong position due to its control of the Strait of Hormuz and the economic pressure imposed on Iran, according to his remarks. The Atlantic magazine reported on Wednesday that Trump was considering ordering strikes on Iran before the midterm elections.