Trump asks Pentagon for Iran strike options before midterms – report – The Jerusalem Post

Trump asks Pentagon for Iran strike options before midterms – report  The Jerusalem Post

The White House has asked the Pentagon to prepare options for strikes on Iran that could take place before the November 3 midterm elections, The Atlantic reported Wednesday, citing two administration officials.US Central Command is developing the options, a US official told the magazine. The potential targets, scope of an operation, and whether President Donald Trump will authorize military action remain under discussion.According to the report, administration officials linked the planning to Trump's desire to show progress in the conflict and address high gasoline prices ahead of the vote.Supporters of limited strikes believe an operation could help the president present a military success before the elections, the magazine reported.However, even

advocates acknowledged that such attacks alone would not secure an agreement with Tehran, restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, or reduce gasoline prices before Election Day.White House weighs timing of renewed strikesThe Pentagon has also presented options for operations after the elections, ranging from limited attacks to a broader campaign that could include additional strikes on Iran's energy industry, according to The Atlantic.Some presidential advisers favor waiting until after the vote, the report said, amid concerns that renewed fighting, particularly if American troops are killed, could hurt Republican candidates.A White House official told the magazine that Trump “has all options available at any time,” but did not answer