Trump Warns of Possible Strikes on Iran Following Midterms

President Donald Trump indicated on Thursday that the United States might conduct additional military actions against Iran, especially as both Washington and Israel gear up for potential operations after the midterm elections in November.

“We’ve knocked the hell out of them. And we may do it a little bit further,” Trump mentioned in a statement to the media.

When asked about how the conflict with Iran might influence the upcoming elections, Trump recognized the political ramifications of military engagements but maintained his stance on addressing the issues with Tehran.

“In one way, they appreciate it because I’m doing what previous presidents should have done. On the other hand, perhaps they don’t. There’s definitely a cost involved, which I understood right from the start,” he stated.

“But we simply cannot allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon,” Trump emphasized.

This latest warning came shortly after Trump hinted that a decision regarding Iran was imminent, with suggestions that Washington and Israel were set to consider military strikes post-elections.

“Something will happen fairly soon, one way or another,” Trump mentioned to the press on Wednesday evening. “Most believe it will follow the election, and we will see what unfolds.”

In addressing the subject of negotiations with Tehran, Trump seemed somewhat tentative. Initially, he remarked, “A little bit, but we’ll see what happens,” but soon added, “I think we’re not negotiating.”

The New York Times reported that American and Israeli military planners have devised plans for a potential three-day strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, missile capabilities, drone assets, and energy infrastructure.

ABC News noted that Israeli officials expect the joint military action to commence shortly after the midterms, referring to two Israeli sources who are aware of the arrangements.

“Hunting season opens as soon as the elections conclude, and it’s clear they won’t delay long,” said one source.

The White House has ruled out any U.S. strikes before November 3 but hasn’t dismissed the likelihood of renewed military action thereafter.

“The United States will not be attacking Iran at any point before the midterm elections,” stated White House spokesperson Anna Kelly on Thursday.

Reportedly, discussions about renewing offensive measures occurred during Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, where new intelligence was exchanged between American and Israeli officials.

The targeted sites could include key petrochemical facilities vital to Iran’s oil production and fortified nuclear sites, like the Pickaxe Mountain complex, which has been deemed a possible target.

One Israeli source indicated that the current plans do not include assaults on civilian facilities such as power stations.

Hegseth hinted at this readiness, asserting on Tuesday that American forces could resume operations should Trump give the directive.

“We have historically damaged their military capabilities, but if they are unwilling to relinquish that power and the president decides we need to go further — we’re ready,” he told journalists.

Meanwhile, U.S. military personnel are being repositioned across bases in the Middle East, which some sources likened to movements preceding the outbreak of war in February, according to the report.

U.S. Central Command declined to detail specific deployments, citing operational security concerns.

While Trump has publicly focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended the goal to aiming for the overthrow of Iran’s current leadership.

“The only definitive way to neutralize this threat is to dethrone the regime in Iran,” Netanyahu declared Wednesday. “That is my instruction to the IDF, the Mossad, and our security forces.”

Israeli sources have described regime change as Netanyahu’s primary target, while stressing that Trump retains the authority to decide whether the U.S. will engage in any renewed joint airstrikes.

Iranian officials have threatened a wider conflict in retaliation for renewed military actions, cautioning that U.S. assets in the region could be targeted.

In an interview with Drop Site News, Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, explicitly warned against U.S. communications infrastructure, data centers, and AI facilities.

“The United States possesses valuable assets in the region. In the event of conflict, these cables and facilities could fall within our reach,” Rezaei remarked.

“Should hostilities recommence, we will have a comprehensive strategy,” he added.

In a separate statement, Mohammad-Saleh Jokar, head of the Iranian parliament’s Internal Affairs Committee, urged authorities to endorse nuclear armament as a deterrent if America strikes Iran again.

“I plead with the Islamic Republic’s leaders — for the country’s defense and as a deterrent — to allow the use of deterrent weapons, including nuclear arms, should the U.S. launch another attack on Iran,” Jokar mentioned, as reported by Iran International.

He also called for suspending Iran’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the U.S. undertakes further offensives.

Additionally, Iran showcased its drone production capabilities on Thursday, revealing footage of Arash drones being manufactured, with Army Chief Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami highlighting expanded production and substantial reserves of unmanned weaponry.

Iranian state media claimed enhancements to the Arash drones, which now include increased warhead capacities and advanced targeting systems with AI integration.

Despite these military preparations, Trump has not yet authorized a new offensive, leaving the resolution — and the extent of action Washington is willing to take — firmly in his hands.