Pentagon has ordered U.S. Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran, U.S. officials said, as President Donald Trump weighs whether to launch new strikes before the U.S. midterm elections or Israel's election later this month.

The directive does not set a date for military action, and Trump has not made a final decision, according to officials cited by Axios. But the order marks a significant escalation in preparations for a potential return to large-scale fighting after a period of reduced hostilities.

If combat resumes, U.S. and Israeli officials expect the campaign to involve heavy strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure and other strategic targets. The Israeli military would likely participate alongside U.S. forces, according to Israeli officials.

The timing could carry significant political consequences. A return to war within the next three to four weeks could affect the U.S. midterm elections, in part by pushing up oil prices, while renewed fighting before Israel's election could also shape the political landscape there.

“The Department's job is to develop and present military options to the President,” a Pentagon official told Axios.

A White House official said Trump retains the option to act at any time and portrayed the United States as having significant leverage over Iran.

“The U.S. is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy collapsing,” the official said. “Iran has been decimated, and things will go one of two ways: the easy way or the hard way.”

“President Trump holds all the cards and will do whatever is best for the United States,” the official added.

Trump weighs timing

The Pentagon's preparations come as Trump considers whether to resume major military operations before the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections. The possibility of action before Israel's Oct. 27 election is also being discussed.

The Atlantic reported separately that the White House has asked the Pentagon to develop options for strikes that could be carried out before the U.S. midterms. Two administration officials told the publication that the move is partly linked to Trump's desire to demonstrate progress in the conflict and bring down gasoline prices.

Trump has not committed to such a course, however, and officials stressed that no final decision has been made.

An Israeli official said the possibility of renewed major combat operations in Iran was discussed during a meeting of Trump's national security team at Camp David on Friday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said afterward that the meeting focused on “long-term” foreign policy planning.

A second Israeli official said discussions about a possible return to major combat had intensified but that an operation before the elections was not considered the most likely outcome.

“The chances of it happening before the elections is not high but we don't rule it out,” the official said, adding that the likelihood would increase significantly after the midterms.

Netanyahu, Trump speak again

Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, their second conversation in several days after weeks in which they had spoken only rarely.

A U.S. official said the call focused on “remembrance and respect for the victims of the October 7 massacre.”

The conversation came after Netanyahu met with his national security team to discuss Iran, according to the first Israeli official. Netanyahu also spoke with Rubio on Monday.

Israeli officials said any renewed major U.S. military campaign would most likely involve close coordination with Israel and direct participation by the Israeli military.

They also warned that Iran's leadership, which they described as increasingly desperate and paranoid, could decide to launch a preemptive attack.

The officials said Iran had already suffered two surprise attacks and would be determined to avoid being caught off guard for a third time.

Diplomacy remains stalled

The military preparations come as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran show little sign of progress.

Qatari mediators are still awaiting an Iranian response to a U.S. counterproposal that includes demands for concessions on Iran's nuclear program. Previous rounds of negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough, increasing concern in Washington and Jerusalem that military action could resume.

The Trump administration has maintained that it has substantial leverage over Iran, pointing to U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz and the severe pressure on the Iranian economy.