US Drafts Middle East Post-War Strategy

The Trump administration is developing a comprehensive postwar strategy for the Middle East, aiming to contain Iran, expand normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and resolve lingering conflicts. The plan, currently in its initial stages, is intended to guide U.S. policy through the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. According to officials and individuals familiar with the discussions, the emerging strategy is being formulated at senior political and interagency levels. President Trump has reportedly discussed the concept with senior advisers in at least two meetings in recent weeks, describing his ambitions for the region as "much bigger" following a war with Iran. The strategy is shaped by two key upcoming elections: Israel's general election on October 27 and the U.S. midterm elections in November. Administration officials hope that any new Israeli government will be prepared to cooperate with Washington on the broader regional agenda. However, some officials have indicated that Trump intends to pursue the strategy regardless of the Israeli election outcome, even if it results in a political deadlock.