The Atlantic reported that the White House has asked the Pentagon to prepare options for a possible attack on targets in Iran before the midterm elections on November 3.

According to two U.S. government officials, the purpose of these reviews is to increase pressure on Tehran and demonstrate progress in the war, while rising gasoline prices have become one of the concerns for Republican voters.

Based on this report, CENTCOM is drafting operational options, but no final decision has yet been made on whether to carry out an attack, its scope, or possible targets.

Supporters of the plan believe that any likely limited strikes would not bring the Iranian government back to the negotiating table, would not restore security for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and would not reduce gasoline prices before the election. The report writes that such operations could be followed after the voting with broader military actions.

However, the Atlantic added that some advisers to Donald Trump, the U.S. president, believe resuming attacks after the election would be more appropriate, because bringing the war back to the top of the news cycle and the likelihood of casualties among U.S. forces could prove politically costly for Republicans before the election. https: