US and Israel Reportedly Draft Post-Midterm Iran Strike Plans as Brent Crude Nears $109

The United States and Israel have reportedly developed plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, according to The New York Times. The reported target list includes energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, such as the Pickaxe Mountain site, though some officials indicate oil facilities might be spared to prevent price spikes at the pump. Brent crude is currently trading near $109 a barrel, sitting nearly 50% above its pre-war close after surging 27.9% during the initial February escalation. A full US military buildup, including three aircraft carriers, is not expected to be completed until early November, while the upcoming October 27 Israeli elections could limit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authority to launch a war if he becomes a caretaker leader. Iranian analysts have stated that any response would likely target Saudi refineries, explicitly viewing global oil prices as leverage against the US administration. "A 72-hour US campaign [is] a fantasy." — Mahdi Mohammadi