NYT: U.S. and Israel have drawn up detailed plans for renewed strikes on Iran after Nov. 3 midterms
What happened
The New York Times reported Wednesday that the U.S. and Israeli militaries have drawn up specific plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections: a short but intensive operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, missile and drone arsenals, and energy infrastructure — though some officials said refineries and oil infrastructure would be avoided to limit gasoline-price rises. The two militaries have stepped up exercises, including practice strike flights over Iraq. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss new strikes. Separately, Axios reported dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets flew an operational sortie Monday about 1,300 km from Israel, near Iran's border. The U.S. buildup — three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, fighter jets and special-operations units — is expected to be fully in place by early November.
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Start your free 14-day trialWho’s affected
- Energy majors and refiners (XLE, Exxon, Chevron) — higher crude and crack spreads; airlines and transport — fuel-cost pressure; defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop) — demand signal from sustained buildup; broad U.S. equities via inflation and Fed-rate expectations; shipping and tanker operators exposed to Hormuz/Gulf of Oman risk.