Trump had said Thursday that the US would not attack Iran before the vote, citing “productive discussions” with Tehran while maintaining the blockade. Oil prices fell after that pledge. The Pentagon has drafted plans for three days of strikes on Iran’s missile and drone arsenal, energy facilities and Revolutionary Guard headquarters, the New York Times reported, but Trump has not approved them.
Iran International reported Friday that some Iranian hardliners were urging Tehran to exploit the three-week window to strike first. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir had warned US officials that renewed fighting could force postponement of Israel’s October 27 election because of anticipated Iranian missile retaliation, Axios reported.