Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for renewed large-scale military strikes against Iran, raising concerns about another escalation in the Middle East.
According to a Financial Times report published Wednesday, Netanyahu is seeking to restart major operations against Iranian targets despite opposition from US President Donald Trump.
The report, citing people familiar with the discussions, suggests that Israel had already prepared an extensive bombing campaign earlier in October, but the operation was postponed following objections from Washington.
Israel Reportedly Planned Major Strikes on Iran
Israeli military officials had reportedly developed plans for a multi-day offensive scheduled for the weekend of October 10.
The proposed operation would have targeted Iranian electricity infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and sites associated with the country’s leadership.
According to the Financial Times, the campaign was designed to be more extensive than the joint US-Israeli military strikes launched against Iran in February.
However, the operation did not proceed after President Trump opposed restarting large-scale hostilities before the November 3 US midterm elections.
Despite the postponement, Israeli officials have reportedly continued reviewing military options.
The Financial Times indicated that an updated list of potential targets had been presented using newly gathered intelligence.
Trump Opposes Renewed Iran Offensive Before US Midterms
The possibility of further Israeli military action has highlighted differences between Washington and Jerusalem over the timing of any renewed confrontation.
Although Trump and Netanyahu have both warned Tehran about the possibility of additional strikes, the US administration reportedly wants to avoid another major escalation before the midterm elections.
Trump has suggested that Washington and Israel could pursue further military action unless Iran changes its position.
Nevertheless, the White House told the Financial Times that the United States would not launch attacks against Iran before the November 3 elections.
The reported disagreement comes as diplomatic uncertainty continues to influence regional security and international financial markets.
Israeli Military Remains on High Alert Ahead of Election
Israel’s armed forces remain in a heightened state of readiness amid concerns about a potential escalation.
Military leave has reportedly been suspended through October 27, when Israel is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections.
The precautionary measures reflect continued uncertainty surrounding the possibility of renewed hostilities.
However, the reported preparations do not establish that a new military operation has been authorized or that an attack is imminent.
Renewed Iran Conflict Could Push Oil Prices Higher
A fresh Israeli offensive against Iran could have significant consequences for regional security and global energy markets.
Further military action might draw American forces and Gulf countries into a broader confrontation, increasing the risk of disruptions to energy infrastructure and transportation routes.
Oil prices could face renewed upward pressure if investors anticipate reduced supply or interruptions to important Middle Eastern export routes.
Higher crude oil prices could also translate into rising fuel costs, adding to inflation concerns in the United States and other major economies.
Such developments would complicate President Trump’s efforts to contain energy prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
For financial markets, the possibility of renewed conflict introduces additional uncertainty surrounding oil supplies, inflation expectations, and global economic stability.
With diplomatic tensions unresolved, investors will continue monitoring developments between Israel, Iran, and the United States for signs of further escalation.
