Israel reportedly prepared a large-scale attack on Iran over the 10 October 2026 weekend, targeting nuclear facilities, government sites and civilian infrastructure. The plan was poned after US President Donald Trump strongly opposed launching a new conflict before the US midterm elections on 3 November.

The reported operation would have involved the Israel Defense Forces carrying out airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, energy plants and oil refineries. The plan also included targets linked to Iran's government, according to claims cited in the report.

What the reported plan involved

The Financial Times report, citing sources, said the proposed attack could have been more severe than joint US-Israeli military strikes against Iran in February. One source said Israel had already prepared a new list of targets.

The same source said a renewed attack in the coming weeks could not be ruled out. However, the report did not establish that a further operation had been approved or scheduled.

The timing of elections was central to the reported decision. The United States is due to hold midterm elections on 3 November, while Israel's general election is scheduled for 27 October. Trump had made clear on 9 October that Washington would not attack Iran before the US election.

Concern over retaliation

Israeli officials reportedly assessed that an attack by either the United States or Israel could prompt Iran to launch heavy missile strikes against Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned US officials that such an escalation could become serious enough to force a ponement of Israel's election.

That concern added a domestic political risk to the military calculations. A major Iranian response could affect Israel's security situation during the election period, according to the reported assessment.

The report emerged 2 days after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a secret visit to Israel. During that trip, Hegseth held a closed-door discussion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about regional threats and policy toward Iran.

Israeli media reports have suggested that Netanyahu's move may also have been intended to increase psychological pressure on Iran or strengthen Israel's position in negotiations. That interpretation remains a reported assessment rather than an officially confirmed explanation.

Neither the Pentagon nor the Israeli Prime Minister's Office had issued an official statement on the report at the time covered by the supplied material.

Conclusion

The reported Iran strike plan was poned after Trump's opposition, with the US and Israeli election calendars and the risk of Iranian retaliation cited as central factors. The possibility of renewed action remains unconfirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What was Israel reportedly preparing to attack?

Israel reportedly prepared strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, government sites, energy plants and oil refineries.

Q. When was the reported attack planned?

The Israel Defense Forces were reportedly ready for a large-scale operation over the 10 October 2026 weekend.

Q. Why was the plan poned?

The plan was reportedly poned after Donald Trump opposed a new conflict with Iran before the US midterm elections on 3 November.

Q. When are the US and Israeli elections scheduled?

The US midterm elections are scheduled for 3 November, while Israel's general election is scheduled for 27 October.

Q. What retaliation did Israeli officials reportedly fear?

They reportedly feared that Iran could respond with heavy missile strikes against Israel.

Q. Could the operation return?

One cited source said a renewed attack in the coming weeks could not be ruled out, but no further operation was confirmed.

Q. Did officials confirm the report?

No official statement had been issued by the Pentagon or the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in the supplied material.