Muhammad Amanullah | The True Post
Date: October 29, 2026
The United States and Israel are preparing for the possibility of a major military operation against Iran that could last about a week if diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement, according to a report by Axios published on October 28.
The reported plans come amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and efforts by regional countries to restart negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The proposed operation could target Iranian leadership, energy facilities, nuclear sites and other critical infrastructure, according to officials cited by Axios.
However, US President Donald Trump has not publicly confirmed a final decision to authorise the reported operation. The timing and scope of any potential strikes remain uncertain, with diplomatic efforts continuing ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
US and Israeli Military Leaders in Contact
According to Axios, Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir spoke with US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper on Monday to coordinate preparations in case military operations against Iran resume.
The reported discussions reflect military coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as both countries consider possible next steps if negotiations fail.
The potential operation could involve a sustained campaign targeting Iran’s leadership, energy sector, nuclear facilities and other strategic infrastructure. However, the specific targets and operational timetable have not been officially confirmed.
The preparations do not necessarily mean that an attack is imminent. Military planning can proceed while diplomatic negotiations remain an option, and the final decision rests with the US president.
Qatar, Pakistan and Regional Countries Seek a Diplomatic Breakthrough
Qatar is leading mediation efforts aimed at preventing renewed fighting, with support from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye, according to Axios.
The countries are attempting to bring the United States and Iran back to negotiations and find a compromise on the issues that have prevented an agreement.
One proposal under discussion would require Iran to allow international inspectors access to nuclear facilities damaged in earlier US and Israeli attacks. In return, Washington could consider easing some sanctions against Tehran.
The proposed arrangement is intended to address concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme while creating a path towards renewed negotiations.
The two sides continue to face significant differences. Washington is seeking concessions over Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran has its own demands concerning US sanctions, the naval blockade and frozen Iranian funds.
A regional source cited by Axios said mediators were urging Iran to consider the proposals as a way to avoid another major military offensive. Iran’s response and the prospects for an agreement remain uncertain.
Trump Has Yet to Confirm a Final Decision
The reported military preparations come after Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.
Axios reported earlier in October that the Pentagon had instructed US Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations. At that stage, officials said no specific launch date had been set.
The latest reporting suggests that the possibility of renewed strikes after the elections remains under consideration if negotiations fail.
Nevertheless, preparations should not be interpreted as confirmation that military action will take place. The White House has maintained that it retains its options regarding Iran, while diplomatic contacts continue through regional intermediaries.
Potential Targets and Regional Security Concerns
According to the Axios report, a renewed campaign could focus on Iran’s leadership, energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities and other strategically important sites.
Such an operation could trigger retaliation from Iran and increase the risk of a wider regional conflict. Potential consequences could extend beyond military targets, affecting energy infrastructure, commercial shipping and regional security.
Any escalation could also create uncertainty in international energy markets, particularly if oil supplies or shipping routes in the Persian Gulf were disrupted.
At present, however, the reported targets remain part of the planning described by sources rather than a publicly confirmed list of objectives for an authorised operation.
Diplomacy Remains Critical
The coming days are likely to be important for the regional mediation effort, as Qatar and its partners attempt to narrow the differences between Washington and Tehran.
The central challenge is whether the two sides can agree on measures relating to Iran’s nuclear programme, international inspections and sanctions before the possibility of renewed military action becomes a reality.
For now, the prospect of a week-long US-Israeli operation remains conditional on the failure of diplomatic efforts and a subsequent decision to proceed. Neither the start of such an operation nor its precise timing has been officially confirmed.
