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U.S. President Donald Trump has vetoed five proposals from his national security team and the Pentagon for major operations against Iran or Yemen’s Houthis in recent months, The New York Times (NYT) reported, even as the military drafts a new three-day Iran strike plan.
Trump has once more ordered up strike options, and senior officials led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance discussed the plans at a Camp David meeting last Friday, according to the report, which cited American officials.
The report came as Trump ruled out attacking Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, as three U.S. aircraft carriers converge on the Middle East for the first time since 2003.
The plans center on a short, intense campaign of about three days targeting Iran’s missile and drone arsenal, much of which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has rebuilt.
Other targets could include energy facilities and Revolutionary Guard command posts.
Officials had predicted Trump would wait until after Israel’s Oct. 27 elections and the U.S. midterms to decide, but commanders are ready to begin larger operations in the coming days in case he shifts again, the newspaper said.
Some officials in Trump’s inner circle believe economic pressure on Iran is working and needs more time, while others argue a short barrage could deepen Tehran's problems, according to the report.
"I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect...we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.
Trump also claimed that 22 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight and "not one barrel" came from or was going to Iran.
The NYT said that claim is debatable, citing intelligence reports.
Iran has struck at least 13 ships since September, according to a British Navy monitoring group, with intelligence reports putting the number near 20.
None drew a major U.S. response.
Iran’s improved tactics have forced the U.S. to fire more interceptors per missile, straining stockpiles, and Iran has used satellite imagery from Chinese companies to target U.S. bases more effectively, according to people briefed on the intelligence.
The Treasury Department on Thursday sanctioned 17 vessels it said were part of Iran’s shadow fleet.
The U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to respond with missile and drone attacks in the region and effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June following mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar to halt hostilities and pave the way for negotiations. Implementation has since stalled amid disagreements, including on security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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