Trump's Iran Strike Calculus Disputed Before Midterms

An unnamed U.S. official said President Donald Trump could be more inclined to order a major military operation against Iran if Republicans suffer heavy losses in the November 3 midterm elections, while a White House official said the results would not affect his decisions on Iran. The contrasting statements, reported through the same account of discussions with U.S. officials, describe a possible connection between the election outcome and military action, not a decision to launch an operation. The election-linked assessment remains an attributed view, and the White House response directly disputes its premise. Trump has left renewed strikes on the table publicly. At a Florida rally, he said the United States might conduct another operation like “Epic Fury,” while also suggesting Iran could agree to talks. He has also said the conflict could end soon, according to reports of his remarks. Separately, senior military officials reportedly briefed Trump on Iran options at the White House on Thursday. The officials included U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. The briefing indicates that...