US military ordered to prepare for possible Iran strikes: Axios

• Pentagon ordered Central Command to prepare for potential strikes on Iranian energy, infrastructure, and nuclear sites.
• Execution remains pending a final strike order from US President Trump.
• 'Israeli' forces are preparing for tandem or parallel military operations.
• Timing aligns with upcoming US midterms and 'Israeli' elections, threatening regional and Strait of Hormuz stability.

The US Department of War instructed US Central Command several days ago to finalize preparations for resuming major combat operations against Iran, US officials told Axios.

While the directive did not specify a launch date and US President Donald Trump has yet to issue a final decision, US and 'Israeli' sources indicated that strikes could be initiated prior to upcoming US midterm elections, as well as 'Israeli' elections scheduled a week earlier.

If major combat operations resume, sources stated they are expected to involve massive bombardment targeting Iranian energy sectors, infrastructure, and nuclear facilities, with 'Israeli' military forces likely participating alongside US forces.

Potential campaign

The development follows a multi-hour meeting of US President Trump's national security team at Camp David on Friday.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the gathering as focused on long-term policy planning, an 'Israeli' official noted that discussions included the potential resumption of combat operations in Iran.

The White House and Pentagon reaffirmed that Trump retains all strategic options.

A White House official noted that the US maintains a commanding position due to control over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's economic difficulties, stating that outcomes will proceed "the easy way or the hard way."

The report comes amid active diplomatic channels through Qatari mediators, who remain awaiting an Iranian response to a US counterproposal requiring nuclear concessions.

Meanwhile, 'Israeli' officials noted the Iranian leadership's heightened state of alert, suggesting Tehran might attempt a preemptive strike after experiencing past surprise attacks.

Resuming the war within three to four weeks could significantly impact domestic and international politics, potentially driving up global oil prices while reshaping political dynamics surrounding 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -who held two recent phone calls with Trump- as both nations prepare for potential Iranian retaliatory missile strikes.