Israeli media reports possible attack on Iran before Israeli election

The United States and Israel are planning to resume the war against Iran before Israel’s election scheduled for 27th October, Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Thursday, contradicting statements by US President Donald Trump.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump said in a statement that the United States would not attack Iran before the US midterm congressional elections scheduled for 3 November.

Channel 12 reported that Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had held talks with unnamed US officials, warning them that a possible strike on Iran could lead to the Israeli election being postponed. It did not specify whether the talks were held by phone or in person.

According to the channel, Zamir was briefed during the talks on US military preparations for a possible resumption of the war against Iran within the next three weeks.

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It said Zamir’s warning came amid assessments that Iran would retaliate against any US attack by launching missiles at Israel, potentially forcing the postponement of the election.

The Israeli military declined to comment on the talks between Zamir and his US counterparts, the channel added.

According to Channel 12, the Pentagon instructed US Central Command several days ago to complete preparations for a possible resumption of the war against Iran, without setting a date for the start of an attack.

The channel quoted unnamed US officials as saying that Trump was considering resuming attacks on Iran before the Israeli election but had not yet made a final decision.

A US official said the final decision could be made within seven to 10 days.

READ: Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections