The United States has drawn up plans for a potential new military operation against Iran, with the US Central Command reportedly ready to launch an intense three-day campaign as early as November 4, according to The New York Times.
The developments come as President Donald Trump faces the political fallout from the Democratic Party’s sweeping victories in the 2026 midterm elections, acknowledging that the Iran conflict and higher fuel prices played a role in the Republican Party’s poor performance.
According to The New York Times, the US Central Command has prepared a military plan for potential strikes against Iran, with a possible operation expected to last three days. The reported plans include potential targets linked to Iran’s missile programme, drone capabilities and nuclear facilities.
The report also indicates that disagreements remain within the Trump administration over the next course of action against Tehran, with officials divided over whether to launch another military operation or continue applying economic pressure.
If Trump authorises military action, the United States and Israel are expected to conduct a joint operation, according to the report.
The reported November 4 readiness date comes amid renewed uncertainty over the possibility of another escalation between Washington and Tehran.
Iran war contributed to Republican election losses
Meanwhile, Trump has acknowledged that the war involving Iran affected Republican candidates in the midterm elections, although he maintained that voters understood the reasons behind his decisions.
Speaking to Fox News, the president said the conflict was one of the factors behind the party’s performance, particularly because of its impact on gasoline prices.
“I think a part of it was Iran, but at the same time, people understood the importance of what I’ve done with Iran,” Trump said.
He also acknowledged that rising fuel costs may have made voters less willing to support the administration’s approach.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump defended his decision to launch military action against Iran, saying he believed it was the right choice and would make the same decision again.
“I made the right decision regarding Iran, and I would do the same again,” he said.
Trump acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to rising oil prices and Republican electoral losses. However, he argued that voters supported his actions against Tehran but may not have been prepared to bear the financial consequences of higher gasoline prices.
“People agree with my actions regarding Iran,” Trump said, adding that voters might not have been willing to tolerate the increase in fuel costs.
He identified rising oil prices as one of the main reasons Republicans suffered setbacks, while also arguing that his absence from the ballot was a major factor.
“The biggest issue was that I was not in the electoral race myself,” Trump said, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Despite the Republican losses, Trump ruled out major changes to his administration and reiterated his support for US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He also said he was somewhat surprised by the election results, explaining that he had expected Republicans to perform better.
“I am somewhat surprised; I expected us to perform better,” he said.
Trump says Iran policy right
Trump maintained that his decision regarding Iran was necessary for America’s long-term interests and said he would review the situation before deciding on further action.
“I will review the situation regarding Iran,” he said, adding that Washington would take action if an opportunity arose. “If any action can be taken against Iran, we will certainly take it,” Trump said.
He reiterated that his decision to confront Tehran was the right one for the country’s long-term interests.
The president also addressed his political relationship with Congress following the Democratic victories, saying he retained the authority to veto legislation but did not want to spend the next two years rejecting every proposal.
“I have the authority to veto anything,” Trump said.
However, he added that he did not want to spend the remainder of his presidency simply vetoing legislation and expressed willingness to work with Democrats.
“We will work together with the Democrats,” he said, adding that Democratic lawmakers had already reached out to his administration.
Trump congratulates Democrats, accepts election results
Speaking to Fox News, Trump congratulated Democrats on their performance, acknowledging that the party had put up a strong fight in the midterm elections.
“Congratulations to the Democrats. They did a good job,” he said. He also remarked that Democrats had been waiting for an electoral breakthrough for 11 years and had finally achieved it.
Despite the party’s victories in both chambers of Congress, Trump rejected the suggestion that the results represented a personal defeat or a public verdict against his leadership.
“I don’t view it as a hit on me,” he said, explaining that he had not been a candidate in the elections.
Trump also described the first two years of his presidency as a historic achievement, maintaining that his administration had delivered an exceptional performance.
Asked directly whether he would accept the results of all electoral contests, the president responded affirmatively.
“Yes. Why wouldn’t you?” he told Fox News.
In a separate conversation with The New York Times, Trump again expressed willingness to accept the election results and indicated that he was open to working with Democrats.
“I am prepared to fully accept the election results,” he said.
He added that both sides would likely find a way forward despite their political differences. “We will likely find a way forward,” Trump said.
Trump warns Democrats against passing legislation he opposes
Trump also signalled that cooperation with the Democratic-controlled Congress would depend on the legislation brought before him. He warned that Democrats could send what he described as “insane” legislation to the White House, which he would reject using his presidential veto.
The president suggested that repeated vetoes could eventually push Democrats to negotiate with his administration.
“After a couple of months of vetoes, they’ll call and they’ll say, ‘How do we get this stuff done?’ And we’ll work together,” he said.
The remarks suggest that while Trump is prepared to accept the election outcome and engage with Democrats, disagreements over legislation could create further political confrontations during the remaining two years of his presidency.
