WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Defense has instructed the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees the Middle East, to begin preparations for the potential resumption of large-scale military operations against Iran, according to the U.S. online media outlet Axios on the 7th (local time).

Citing U.S. government officials, the report noted that while the Pentagon issued the directive, it did not specify a concrete date to initiate an attack. Furthermore, a final decision has not yet been made by President Donald Trump.

A defense official told Axios, "The Pentagon's role is to develop military options and present them to President Trump."

Potential Timing and Targets

Sources in the U.S. and Israel suggested that the resumption of U.S. military operations against Iran could take place before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3rd, or ahead of the Israeli general election scheduled prior to that date.

This follows a report by the U.S. magazine The Atlantic a day earlier, stating that President Trump is considering directing the resumption of airstrikes against Iran prior to the midterms.

If the U.S. military re-engages in operations against Iran, sources expect it to involve massive bombing campaigns targeting Iran's energy and social infrastructure, as well as its nuclear facilities.

However, analysts point out that resuming large-scale military actions against Iran ahead of the midterm elections could cause oil prices to spike, potentially impacting the election outcomes.

High-Level Diplomatic and Security Moves

The possibility of renewed military operations comes amid ongoing reports of intensive evaluations and strategy discussions regarding the Middle East situation within the United States and Israel.

Axios reported that on the 2nd, a secret meeting was held at Camp David, the presidential retreat, chaired by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and attended by key foreign policy and national security leadership of the Trump administration.

Additionally, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone yesterday, following weeks of near-silence between the two leaders. Prime Minister Netanyahu also held a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the 5th.

Axios projected that if military operations resume, Israel would likely participate, resulting in joint military action by the two nations.

An Israeli source also warned that the Iranian regime is in a desperate and paranoid state, raising the possibility that it might launch a preemptive strike.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran—centered largely around control of the Strait of Hormuz—has dragged on for over half a year with no narrow path toward agreement, leaving peace negotiations effectively stalled.

Asked about the potential resumption of military operations against Iran, a White House official responded only by saying, "President Trump holds all the cards and will act in the direction that best serves American interests."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]