White House Seeks Iran Strike Options Before Midterms

The White House has asked the Pentagon to develop options for possible strikes against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, but President Donald Trump has made no reported decision to proceed. The potential operations are being developed by U.S. Central Command. Their targets, scale and timing remain under discussion, according to administration officials cited in reporting on the planning. No attack date has been set. The options are not evidence that an operation has been approved. Officials told The Atlantic that Trump wants to demonstrate progress in the conflict and potentially ease pressure from high fuel prices before voters go to the polls. Officials involved in discussions reportedly acknowledged that limited strikes alone are unlikely to bring Tehran back to negotiations or significantly reduce gasoline prices before the election. The planning comes as the administration faces pressure over the conflict’s economic effects. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to concern about energy supplies and prices.