FT: "Netanyahu Prepared Large-Scale Airstrikes on Iran... Trump Opposition Thwarted Plan"

Reports say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared a large-scale military attack on Iran but was unable to carry it out because of opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran continues to be discussed, and military tensions are expected to persist.

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On October 21 (local time), the Financial Times (FT), citing people familiar with the matter, reported that the Israeli military had prepared a bombing campaign lasting several days, beginning over the weekend of October 10.

The operation was set to target not only civilian infrastructure, such as power plants, but also nuclear facilities and targets linked to the Iranian regime. The sources said the bombing campaign was planned to be more powerful than the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran that began in February.

The operation was ultimately not carried out. The sources said this was because President Donald Trump opposed the resumption of the war ahead of the midterm elections.

Nevertheless, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu continue to discuss the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran. Trump and Netanyahu, who faces a reelection contest next week, have argued that the United States and Israel "must finish the job" against the Iranian regime.

It remains unclear whether the United States planned to participate directly in the military operation. One source said, however, that the possibility of the United States and Israel resuming attacks on Iran in the coming weeks was "a scenario that cannot be ruled out."

The source said, "There will either be an agreement or a resumption of military attacks," explaining that the United States is seeking to pressure Iran into accepting its terms in negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear program. The aim is to bring the war to a complete end.

According to Israeli officials, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel on October 19 and met with senior officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu. One source said Israeli officials presented a revised list of targets in Iran, updated based on new intelligence. The list also included civilian infrastructure that was not targeted in airstrikes earlier this year.

The U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Another source noted, however, that the military operation prepared by the Israeli military earlier this month may have been intended as leverage on Iran during negotiations. The source added that whether attacks on Iran resume ultimately depends on President Trump.

The White House said, "Iran is in a very difficult position, both economically and militarily." It added that the blockade of Iranian ports and support for Gulf oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz are producing results, and said, "The United States will not attack Iran before the midterm elections."

Nevertheless, the Israeli military has stepped up its state of alert in recent weeks. In particular, it took the unusual step of canceling leave for all personnel from October 22 through 27, when the general election is scheduled to be held. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the measure was "to ensure that the general election can be held safely and as scheduled."

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office did not respond to repeated requests for comment, while the Israeli military declined to comment. A source familiar with plans for an attack on Iran said, "The current government is keeping all options open," adding, "Nothing that happens would be surprising."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.