As the United States approaches its midterm elections, discussions between Washington and Jerusalem intensify over the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran. More than eight months after the initial military campaign began, neither the U.S. nor Israel has achieved their stated objectives: Iran remains under the control of its Islamic Republic leadership, its nuclear program persists without commitments to halt enrichment, and its missile and drone capabilities continue to threaten U.S. and allied interests.
President Donald Trump recently indicated on a televised interview that he faces a critical choice: to “finish off” Iran militarily or seek a negotiated deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has echoed calls for a sustained and severe military offensive, advocating for actions aimed at pressuring Tehran, with some Israeli officials reportedly preparing extensive strike plans. However, there are notable differences in approach between the two nations; Trump has so far refrained from fully endorsing Netanyahu’s more expansive campaign proposals.
Former U.S. military officials and defense analysts warn that any further strikes would be complex and fraught with risk. Mark Esper, Trump's former defense secretary, stressed the need for a clear and credible strategy outlining achievable objectives. Joseph Votel, ex-commander of U.S. Central Command, suggested more limited “expanded maritime strikes” targeting coastal radars, missile launchers, and drone sites along the Strait of Hormuz could be considered to disrupt Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. However, more extensive campaigns, potentially including multi-day assaults on deeply buried nuclear facilities like Pickaxe Mountain, Revolutionary Guard commanders, and Iranian missile and drone infrastructure, remain on the table.
Experts acknowledge uncertainty about the current state of Iran’s nuclear program, as some critical infrastructure may have been obscured or rebuilt since previous strikes in June 2025. While Trump claims the initial bombardments “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear efforts, physicist David Albright notes that both the U.S. and Israel likely have incomplete public knowledge of Tehran’s full capabilities.
Any expansion of military operations carries significant risks. The U.S. military has sustained losses and damages amounting to 81 aircraft and 21 personnel killed since the war began. Iranian officials have threatened unprecedented retaliatory measures, including attacks on undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on U.S. military bases in Europe, such as in Bulgaria, potentially marking a new front in the conflict. Senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei has warned of “new fronts” and “bigger surprises” yet to be revealed.
Beyond direct military confrontation, there is concern that heightened hostilities could escalate proxy attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia and regional shipping routes. Some U.S. lawmakers, including Democratic Representative Jason Crow, caution against repeated escalation, recalling prolonged and costly conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan driven by the belief that increased bombardment would force a resolution.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military remains prepared to assist U.S. operations, with recent arrival of U.S. transport aircraft and air defense systems at Israeli bases signaling readiness for coordinated action. Yet, there remains disagreement over the ultimate objectives. Netanyahu continues to advocate for regime change in Tehran, with Mossad’s leadership reportedly developing plans aligned with this aim, while some U.S. military officials urge a more measured approach focused on containment rather than full-scale regime overthrow.
As the situation remains fluid, both Washington and Jerusalem weigh the prospects of further military escalation against the risks of broader regional conflict and uncertain strategic outcomes. U.S. Central Command declined to comment on specific plans, underscoring the sensitivity and complexity surrounding potential new strikes on Iran.