Trump Opposed Netanyahu's Plan for Fresh Large-Scale Strikes on Iran: FT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had planned to launch a fresh, large-scale military offensive against Iran, but US President Donald Trump opposed restarting the conflict ahead of America's midterm elections, the Financial Times reported.

Citing three people familiar with the matter, the newspaper said Trump's opposition prevented Israel's plan from moving forward.

According to the report, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had been preparing for possible strikes on Iran in early October. Potential targets included Iranian nuclear facilities, installations associated with the country's ruling establishment, power plants and other civilian infrastructure.

The sources said the planned offensive could have been more intense than the US-Israeli strikes carried out in February.

However, Trump decided against reigniting the conflict before the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, the report said.

It remains unclear whether the United States would have participated in any renewed Israeli military operation. One source, however, said the possibility of the conflict resuming within the coming weeks could not be ruled out.

The Financial Times also reported that Israel had prepared a fresh list of potential targets, including some civilian infrastructure that had not previously been attacked.

Another source suggested that Israel's preparations for possible strikes earlier this month might also have been intended to increase pressure on Iran in negotiations.

Nevertheless, the final decision on whether to resume hostilities rested with Trump, according to the report.

The Pentagon did not comment on the report, the newspaper said.

The report emerged amid separate reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had recently made a discreet visit to Israel, where he met Netanyahu. Their discussions reportedly included regional security threats.

The reported preparations underscore the continuing uncertainty surrounding the prospect of renewed military confrontation between Israel and Iran, as Washington weighs its regional security priorities against the political and diplomatic consequences of escalating the conflict.