US and Israeli military planners have drawn up options for a new round of strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November, the New York Times reported on 22 October 2026, citing officials briefed on the discussions. On the same day, Iranian state television said seven oil tankers had been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.
What the report says
- The plans envisage a "short but intensive" operation targeting nuclear and energy sites as well as missile and drone stockpiles, according to the Times of Israel and Ynet, citing the NYT.
- Officials quoted in the report said another round could "crater the Islamic Republic's economy" and force concessions.
- Some US officials believe a three-day offensive could change Iran's position, Ynet reported.
- No decision has been made. There is a small chance President Donald Trump authorises strikes this month, or he may decide against any action.
The White House said it does not comment on plans "that may or may not exist." The Financial Times has reported that Trump blocked an Israeli operation planned for before the midterms.
Seven tankers hit, Iran says
Iranian state TV, quoting the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said seven tankers were damaged overnight: four were attacked while transferring oil and caught fire, and three struck mines. The claims could not be independently verified, and no details of casualties or the ships' flags were given, AP reported. If confirmed, it would be the largest number of vessels damaged in a single day since the war began on 28 February.
Lloyd's List reported that some operators are running tankers at night with location systems switched off, through a US-protected lane near Oman.
Rising tension across the region
- Axios reported that dozens of Israeli jets flew a sortie about 1,300 km towards Iran's border; Israel called it a deterrence exercise.
- Iran has threatened to target data centres and undersea internet cables, and warned that renewed fighting would not be short.
- NBC reported that the US has quietly reduced troop numbers at regional bases, including in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait.
- The US has also ordered some diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks; see our report on the US embassy departure.
Markets react
Brent crude closed up 4% at $113.17 a barrel, its highest close since early May. Read more in our report on Thursday's market moves.
Diplomacy stalls
The reports come as mediators from Pakistan and Qatar try to arrange a permanent ceasefire, with Iran refusing to give up its enriched uranium. See our earlier report on Iran's red lines.
