New Delhi. The threat of a major military conflict is once again looming in the Middle East. After the US midterm elections, America and Israel are preparing for new military action against Iran. This claim has been made in a New York Times report. According to the report, the targets of possible attacks could be Iran's nuclear facilities, missile and drone stockpiles, energy infrastructure and command centers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, no attack plan has received final approval yet.
According to the report, the possible military operation could be small, but extremely intense. The strategy of America and Israel could be to damage Iran's economy by attacking for three days and force it to agree on the nuclear program. Under this strategy, targeting of nuclear bases, missile-drone capability and energy installations is being considered.
Will Pickaxe Mountain also be attacked?
The possibility of an attack on 'Pickaxe Mountain', the nuclear center located beneath the mountains of Iran, is also under discussion. US President Donald Trump said last week that he was considering using the 22,000-pound GBU-43/B bomb against the base. It is also called MOAB i.e. 'Mother of All Bombs'.
However, there are also reportedly differences of opinion among US officials regarding targeting Iran's oil refineries and energy infrastructure. There is a fear that such attacks may affect the global oil market and may increase petrol prices in America. This is the reason why the situation regarding the plan to attack energy installations is not yet clear.
Iran's warning – retaliation will not be limited
On the other hand, Iran has warned that if it is attacked again, its retaliation will not be limited. Tehran has indicated that Saudi Arabia's oil installations, data centers and undersea internet cables could also be targeted in possible retaliatory attacks. Iranian officials say that the war will neither end quickly nor will its scope be limited.
Israel's air force exercise near Iran's border
Meanwhile, Israel on Monday conducted a major air force exercise near the border with Iran. Dozens of Israeli fighter planes and aerial refueling planes flew more than 800 miles, according to the report. These planes flew near the border of Iran, passing through the airspace of Syria and Iraq and then returned back.
According to officials, the route taken by the planes was similar to the route of a possible attack on Iran. Israel called it a training exercise and said its aim was to send a strong message to Iran. Israel had already informed America about this operation.
However, some US officials feared that if Iran attacked Israeli aircraft, Israel might get an excuse to launch a major military operation. Before the US midterm elections, such a situation could increase difficulties for the Trump administration.
Three big challenges before Trump
Given the experiences of previous military confrontations, Trump currently seems to be avoiding a new attack on Iran. But unless Iran is ready to return to the nuclear negotiating table and reach an agreement, the possibility of military action may remain.
America faces three major challenges in starting a new war. First, the risk of a sharp rise in oil prices due to the attacks; second, the spread of the conflict throughout the region; And third, the US military's potential lack of interceptors to intercept the missiles.
In such a situation, despite consideration of military plans, it is not clear whether the Trump administration will approve the attack or give priority to the diplomatic route.