U.S. and Israel Reportedly Prepare for Possible Iran Attack

Iran said seven oil tankers were hit or damaged by mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that has not been independently confirmed; no casualties were reported. Tehran threatened U.S. bases if Washington helps ships transit the strait. Israel’s military chief reportedly sees no operational need to strike Iran before Israel’s October 27 election, and opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot has said there is no immediate Iranian threat requiring a pre-election war. Separate reports say the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a possible attack in early November, after the Israeli and U.S. elections, though the plans have not been officially confirmed and could also be intended to pressure Tehran diplomatically. Rising tensions include warnings of possible Iranian or proxy attacks and concern that political rhetoric could trigger a miscalculation. The reports pushed oil prices higher, while rerouted pipelines and shipping arrangements have kept regional crude exports above prewar levels.