Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly planned fresh military strikes against Iran earlier this month, targeting nuclear facilities, sites linked to the Iranian regime and civilian infrastructure, but US President Donald Trump opposed restarting the conflict ahead of the American midterm elections on November 3, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Three people familiar with the matter told the UK newspaper that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were prepared to carry out the operation over the weekend of October 10. The proposed strikes were reportedly expected to be more intense than the joint US-Israeli attacks conducted in February.

However, Trump reportedly decided against resuming hostilities before the US elections. It remains unclear whether Washington would have directly participated in the proposed operation or whether Israel was preparing to conduct the strikes independently.

The report has renewed attention on the possibility of another military confrontation between Israel and Iran, even as diplomatic negotiations and strategic calculations continue to shape decisions in Washington and Jerusalem.

Israel reportedly prepared a fresh list of targets

According to the Financial Times, Israel had drawn up a new list of potential targets inside Iran. These reportedly included nuclear facilities, locations linked to the Iranian regime and civilian infrastructure sites that had not previously been struck.

Energy plants were among the civilian infrastructure targets mentioned in the report.

The proposed operation was reportedly being prepared for the weekend of October 10, with sources indicating that its scale could have exceeded that of the joint US-Israeli attacks in February.

However, the available reporting does not independently establish the precise targets, the intelligence assessments behind their selection or whether a final order to launch the operation had been issued.

The distinction is significant because military preparations do not necessarily mean that an attack has been authorised or that all operational details have been finalised.

The report also did not clarify whether the United States had been expected to provide direct military support, participate in the strikes or assist Israel in another capacity.

Trump reportedly opposed renewed hostilities

The report said Trump decided against restarting military action against Iran before the November 3 US midterm elections, in which Americans will elect members of Congress.

On October 9, Trump reportedly said Washington would not attack Iran before the midterms. His position came amid continuing reports that Netanyahu was seeking renewed American support for military action.

One source cited by the Financial Times suggested that preparations for the proposed strikes could also have served as a negotiating tactic. Under this interpretation, the threat of military action could increase pressure on Tehran without necessarily leading to an immediate attack.

The source also indicated that the final decision on resuming hostilities rested with Trump.

The Pentagon did not comment on the Financial Times report, according to the newspaper.

Washington’s reported reluctance to resume fighting ahead of the elections highlights the political considerations surrounding any decision to launch a new military operation. However, the report does not establish that domestic electoral concerns were the only factor behind Trump’s position.

Netanyahu reportedly pressed Washington for action

The reported preparations come amid earlier accounts that Netanyahu had been urging Washington to consider renewed military action against Iran.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reportedly said last week that Netanyahu had pressed Trump to resume fighting before two important political dates: Israel’s election scheduled for October 27 and the US midterm elections on November 3.

The report also referred to an assessment by Israeli officials that Iran could respond to an American strike with a large missile barrage against Israel.

Such a response could widen the confrontation and expose Israel to further attacks, potentially drawing the United States into a broader regional conflict.

A report concerning a communication between IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and his American counterparts also suggested that a fresh attack could lead to the postponement of Israel’s election. The reported assessment underscores the potential domestic and security consequences of renewed hostilities.

However, the available reports do not independently confirm the full details of the discussions between Israeli and American officials.

Possibility of renewed conflict remains open

Despite the reported decision to halt the October operation, the possibility of fresh fighting has not been ruled out.

According to the reporting, renewed hostilities in the coming weeks were considered a plausible scenario. This indicates that the preparations may have been postponed rather than permanently abandoned, although no confirmed decision to launch another operation has been reported in the material available.

The continuing dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme remains a central concern. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns about the programme and the potential security threat it believes Iran poses.

Any renewed military action could carry significant risks, particularly if Tehran retaliates against Israel or American interests in the region. The scale of such a response, however, cannot be determined from the reported preparations alone.

The possibility that military planning was intended partly to strengthen pressure on Iran during negotiations also remains open. There is no confirmed evidence in the report that the proposed operation was ultimately approved or that a final agreement was reached on its execution.

Hegseth’s reported visit adds to scrutiny

The report emerged two days after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly made a secret visit to Israel and met Netanyahu to discuss what were described as “threats in the region”.

The meeting took place amid reports of renewed Israeli efforts to persuade Washington to consider further military action against Iran.

However, the reported visit does not establish that the two governments agreed to launch a new operation or that American forces committed to participating in future strikes.

The Pentagon’s reported lack of comment on the proposed October operation has also left unanswered questions about the extent of Washington’s involvement in the planning and the role US forces might play if hostilities resume.

For now, the reported preparations point to continuing military and diplomatic pressure surrounding Iran, but the next steps remain uncertain. Whether the two countries move towards renewed attacks or pursue further negotiations will depend on decisions by their respective leaderships and developments in the region.