The United States and Israel were reportedly planning new attacks on Iran after the US midterm elections, according to US officials cited in the reports. One report said the countries had recently intensified military exercises, including air strikes over Iraq, and that US Defense Secretary Hegseth had discussed the matter with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

That report said proposed strikes would target Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities and weapons depots. It also said earlier plans for an attack this month had been cancelled by President Trump at the last minute, and that Iran had threatened retaliation if US-Israeli attacks continued.