IDF Chief Warns Iran Conflict Could Postpone Israeli Vote as Pentagon Readies Strike Plan

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir received a briefing on U.S. military preparations for a possible renewed conflict with Iran in the coming weeks, according to a senior American official speaking to N12 News.

Zamir warned that if hostilities resume within the next three weeks, Israel’s scheduled election on October 27 could be delayed. This warning follows an assessment that intensified U.S. strikes against Iran might provoke Tehran to launch missiles at Israel, N12 reported.

Senior U.S. officials told N12 that President Donald Trump is weighing a resumption of military action ahead of both American and Israeli elections, which occur within the next month. They added that a final decision on the timing of any U.S. strike against Iran is expected within the next seven to ten days.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump stated that the United States would not attack Iran before the upcoming midterm congressional elections.

He wrote, “We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd. IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”

U.S. Bolsters Middle East Presence as It Readies for a Brief, Intense Renewal of Hostilities

Three U.S. aircraft carriers are set to deploy to the Middle East, the New York Times reported, noting that the Pentagon has drafted a three‑day campaign plan against Iran.

Should large‑scale military operations in Iran proceed, the United States anticipates conducting them in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces, according to N12.

A report from the New York Times added that the US military has drafted options for a short return to strikes, noting that planned targets include Iran’s drone and missile arsenal, energy infrastructure, and military locations.

Senior officials told the New York Times and N12 that Trump had initiated the preparations for a return to fighting, contrary to his recent rhetoric on Truth Social.

While Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, the two did not discuss Iran or a potential return to conflict, focusing instead on Netanyahu’s position in the polls ahead of the Israeli election and the memorial day for October 7, a source told N12.

Iranian Maritime Assaults in the Strait of Hormuz

Since the last significant US attacks on Iran in September, the United Kingdom Maritime and Trade Operations (UKMTO) Center says that Islamic Republic has struck at least 13 ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, most recently on October 6, when an oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile.

Despite increased attacks on ships transiting Hormuz, Trump claimed that oil is flowing “in record numbers” through the strait. “22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!” the president claimed on Truth Social on Thursday.

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