The U.S. military has reportedly drawn up options for potential strikes on Iran after the November midterm elections, as Tehran threatens a more aggressive response to any renewed U.S. attack.
Pentagon Prepares Iran Strike Options for Trump’s Approval
U.S. Central Command (Centcom), the Defense Department’s unified combatant command for the Middle East, has follow-up strikes ready if the White House authorizes them, The Hill reported, citing a source.
A second source told The Hill that CENTCOM has presented a number of options to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. President Donald Trump will keep all options open until he must make a final decision, that source said.
“We may do another little epic fury,” Trump said Friday at a rally in Fort Myers, Florida.
Earlier this week, Trump said the U.S. is not negotiating with Iran. He said the matter will be settled one way or another soon, and that many people expect that after the election.
At a rally, he said, “It’ll end very soon,” while adding that the U.S. wants a lasting outcome.
That contrasts with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said on X that Tehran is open to renewed talks.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Iran Tensions
The renewed intentions follow Brent crude, the global benchmark, closing at $116.72 a barrel Friday. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, closed at $103.38.
Diesel averaged $6.3374 a gallon, about 2.9% below its record of $6.5276 set Sept. 22, according to American Automobile Association (AAA) data. Regular gasoline averaged $4.2957, up about 40% from a year ago.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East have kept oil markets volatile in 2026. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies, after U.S. and Israeli strikes began Feb. 28. A June memorandum of understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar has stalled.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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