Report: Trump Blocked Planned Israeli Strike on Iran Ahead of US Elections

Israel prepared a large-scale military operation against Iran earlier this month, but the plan was halted following opposition from US President Donald Trump, according to a report published Wednesday by the British newspaper Financial Times.

According to the report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israel's defense establishment to prepare for a military operation scheduled for the weekend of October 10, which was expected to last several days.

As part of the preparations, the IDF compiled a list of potential targets, including Iranian nuclear facilities, sites associated with the Iranian regime, and civilian infrastructure such as power plants. Sources familiar with the discussions said Trump opposed renewed military action before the US midterm elections, scheduled for November 3.

Despite the postponement, Netanyahu and Trump have continued to warn of further strikes against Iran, with the stated goal of "finishing the job" against Tehran. Both leaders are also facing significant election campaigns.

This week, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Israel and met with Netanyahu and other senior officials. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, Israeli officials presented new intelligence and an updated list of potential targets, including civilian infrastructure that had not been struck earlier this year.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly pointed to Iran's weakened economic and military position and indicated that the US would not launch strikes before the midterm elections.

Against this backdrop, the IDF has reportedly raised its alert level and taken the unusual step of canceling leave for all soldiers until Israel's Knesset elections on October 27. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the measure was intended to ensure that the elections could take place safely.