US and Israel plan new strikes on Iran after midterms

The New York Times reported that U.S. and Israeli officials are developing new plans to strike Iran after the U.S. midterm elections. The report cites senior U.S. officials and other sources. The planning comes as both countries have stepped up military maneuvers in the region.

According to the New York Times, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met secretly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a military base in Israel. They discussed new strikes targeting nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, and missile and drone arsenals. The meeting was held this week.

The U.S. Department of State ordered nonessential embassy staff and families to evacuate Saudi Arabia. The order was issued amid concerns about Houthi attacks and potential new attacks by Iran. The order applied only to Saudi Arabia, according to a spokesperson.

Iranian officials have vowed that if Iran is attacked again, they will respond in kind. They said they would target U.S. interests, merchant ships, and energy infrastructure. They also mentioned retaliation against data centers and undersea cables.

The United States has reinforced its military presence in the Persian Gulf. A third aircraft carrier has arrived in the region, with deployment to be completed in early November. The U.S. also demands that Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz.