White House Seeks Pre-Midterm Iran Strike Options as Oil Prices Surge
The White House asked the Pentagon to prepare options for strikes on Iran that could be carried out before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to The Atlantic. Brent crude rose above $105 a barrel after the report. Officials reportedly linked the planning to Trump's desire to show progress in the eight-month conflict and address high gasoline prices, though proponents doubt limited strikes would lower prices or reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
...
... No extra. Ensure plain text. Need maybe no markdown. Good. But need check "additional factual detail and background drawn ONLY from material above" We used Axios, Atlantic, Central Command, etc. Good. "target choices and scale remain unsettled" from magnitude/targets under discussion. "larger operation might come after voting" from wider operation could take place after November voting. "Pentagon recently directed Central Command to complete preparations for resuming major combat" from Axios: instructed several days ago to conclude preparations for resuming major combat operations. "no launch date or final decision" from directive did not include launch date, Trump no final decision. Good. "Brent and WTI each gained over 4% early Thursday; Brent traded near $105 after closing around $99 Wednesday." Good. "Equities fell amid inflation worries." Good. "Proponents reportedly doubt limited strikes would restart talks, reopen Strait, or lower gasoline before Election Day, hoping instea