Report: Pentagon Orders Preparations for Large-Scale Military Operations in Iran

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon ordered US Central Command (CENTCOM) several days ago to complete preparations for a resumption of large-scale military operations in Iran, US officials said, according to Axios on Thursday (8 October 2026).

The Pentagon’s instructions do not specify a date for any strikes, while President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision. Nevertheless, US and Israeli sources say military action could take place before the US midterm elections, or even before Israel’s election, which is scheduled for the preceding week.

If major combat operations resume, the strikes are expected to include extensive bombing of Iran’s energy facilities, infrastructure and nuclear targets. Resuming the war over the next three to four weeks could affect the midterm elections, including through a surge in global oil prices.

“The Department’s job is to develop and present military options to the President,” a Pentagon official told Axios.

A White House official stressed that Trump retained all options and could act at any time. “The US is in a very strong position, with control of the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s economy collapses. Iran has been devastated, and this will proceed in one of two ways: the easy way or the hard way,” the official said. “President Trump holds all the cards and will do whatever is best for the United States.”

The Atlantic reported on Wednesday morning that Trump was considering striking Iran before the midterm elections. Last Friday, Trump’s national security team met at Camp David for several hours to discuss the war and other issues.

An Israeli official confirmed to Axios that part of the meeting focused on the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations in Iran. After the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the discussions had focused on “long-term” foreign policy planning.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Iran have made no progress. Qatar, acting as mediator, is still awaiting Iran’s response to a US counterproposal that includes compromise demands concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Discussion of the possibility of resuming major combat operations in Iran is gaining momentum. The chances of it happening before the elections are not high, but we are not ruling it out. After the midterms, the likelihood increases significantly,” a second Israeli official said.