American and Israeli officials are drawing up plans to potentially attack Iran after the U.S. midterm elections next week, according to U.S. officials and others briefed on the deliberations, as both nations weigh options following months of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The planning comes amid reports that Israeli fighter jets conducted a rehearsal flight on October 19, flying more than 800 miles east through Syria and Iraq on a route consistent with a strike mission before turning back just before entering Iranian airspace. The flight path, reported by Axios, suggests Israel is refining operational plans for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear or military facilities.

Post-Election Timeline Under Consideration

According to The New York Times, Washington has warned several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a "short, intense military campaign" against Iran that could launch after the November 2 midterm elections. The post-election timing would allow the administration to act without immediate political consequences at the ballot box, though it raises questions about congressional authorization for military action.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group remains deployed in the region after a record-breaking 250-plus days at sea, providing strike capability if ordered. Additional U.S. forces, including Patriot air defense systems, have been positioned in Israel to bolster defenses against potential Iranian retaliation.

Strategic Rationale and Risks

Proponents of military action argue that Iran's nuclear program has progressed to the point where windows for effective strikes are narrowing. They contend that diplomatic efforts have failed to halt enrichment activities and that military options must remain credible to have any diplomatic leverage.

Critics warn that strikes could trigger broader regional conflict, potentially drawing in Iranian proxies across the Middle East and threatening global energy supplies. Iran has repeatedly vowed to retaliate against any attacks, raising the prospect of a cycle of escalation that could spiral beyond initial plans for "limited" strikes.

Diplomatic Parallel Track

Even as military planning proceeds, diplomatic channels remain active. Iranian officials have engaged in what The New York Times describes as a "flurry of diplomacy" aimed at forestalling attacks. These contacts include outreach to European intermediaries and regional powers with ties to Washington.

Saudi Arabia, which has its own conflict with Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, faces particular pressure. Riyadh must balance its security cooperation with Washington against economic ties with Tehran and concerns about becoming a target in any broader conflict.

Domestic Political Dimensions

The timing considerations reflect both strategic and political calculations. Launching military operations before midterm elections could dominate final-week campaign coverage and potentially influence voter decisions in competitive races. Waiting until after November 2 would provide a cleaner decision window but compress the timeframe before the incoming Congress is seated in January.

Congressional leaders from both parties have signaled varying levels of support for confronting Iran, though specific authorization for new military action remains unclear. The War Powers Resolution requires congressional approval for sustained military operations, though presidents of both parties have asserted broad commander-in-chief authorities.

Israel's own domestic politics add another layer of complexity, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing coalition pressures that could influence the timing and scope of any military action. Israeli election results remain uncertain, with no clear governing majority emerging from recent voting.