The Hill, citing informed sources, reported that the U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, has prepared options for another attack on Iran, likely after the midterm elections to the U.S. Congress in November.

According to these sources, the attack plans have been provided to Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, and their implementation depends on authorization from the White House.

Gregory Brew, an Iran expert at the Eurasia Group, said he believes the likelihood of U.S. attacks resuming after the election is high. According to him, Washington may increase military pressure in order to push the Islamic Republic to accept an agreement.

The Hill also reported that officials in the Islamic Republic have warned that, in the event of a new U.S. or Israeli attack, Tehran’s response would be more severe and broader than in the past.

In response to The Hill, the U.S. Department of Defense said its duty is to prepare military options for the president, but it does not comment on possible future operations.

Based on this report, the United States has more than 50,000 military personnel and about 20 warships in the Middle East and is sending additional equipment and forces to the region.