US and Israel Plan Strikes on Iran as Tehran Threatens New Weapon

Following the recent American midterm elections, the United States and Israel are reportedly coordinating plans for possible fresh military strikes against Iran. This development comes amid rising tensions in the West Asian region and warnings from Tehran about unveiling a weapon it refers to as the 'father of all bombs.'

According to a detailed report by The New York Times, both US and Israeli military forces have devised targeted strategies focusing on critical Iranian assets. These include Iran's energy infrastructure, nuclear sites, and its missile and drone capabilities. The report cites US officials and individuals briefed on the situation, noting that military exercises have intensified, with aircraft conducting practice strike operations over Iraq to simulate potential attacks.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their discussions centered on the possibility of launching renewed strikes on Iranian targets. Some American officials believe that another round of focused attacks might severely impact Iran's economy, possibly compelling Tehran to offer diplomatic concessions after months of conflict.

In response to these potential military actions, Iran has issued stern warnings. Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), told state-affiliated media Student News Network (SNN), 'The United States has the "Mother of All Bombs." We will show them the "Father of All Bombs," and it will definitely be something new for them.' Details about this weapon remain undisclosed, leaving its capabilities and nature unclear.

This cautionary statement follows reports that former US President Donald Trump considered deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), commonly called the 'Mother of All Bombs,' against Iran’s fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility. Some weapons experts have raised doubts about the bomb's effectiveness against such a deeply buried site made of granite. Additionally, military officials have highlighted the risks involved, noting that the delivery would require a slow-flying MC-130 transport aircraft, which could be vulnerable to Iranian air defenses.

Despite the preparations, it remains uncertain if the US will proceed with attacks. Earlier this month, plans for an operation were nearly set in motion but were postponed by Trump shortly before execution. A White House official declined to comment on specific military plans but emphasized that all options remain open to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

The United States is reportedly assembling a significant military presence expected to be in place by early November. This buildup includes three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, fighter jets, and Special Operations forces. Political considerations, such as Trump’s previous promise not to initiate strikes before the midterms, appear to influence the timing of any action.

On the Iranian side, President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the gravity of the situation during an address to Parliament. He described the current circumstances as a 'super-challenge' and stressed that Iran has remained resolute despite pressure and conflict. Pezeshkian remarked, 'The memorandum of understanding we signed was very good; we hadn't given anything. The current situation is neither good for us, nor for the region, nor for the world.'

Further tensions arise from accusations by Iran’s UN representative, who claimed that the Starlink satellite internet system has been used to assist military targeting of Iranian sites. These allegations point to attacks on the country's scientific and space infrastructure.

The New York Times report also notes that the US intends to use the threat of military action as leverage in nuclear negotiations and control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian negotiators continue to resist making concessions on nuclear matters until later stages of talks.

Some US strategists believe a concentrated three-day campaign could inflict enough economic damage to influence Tehran’s stance. Yet, previous strikes between February and April led to increased global energy prices, heightened regional insecurity, and depleted US missile interceptor stocks.

Iranian officials warn that any new conflict might extend beyond energy and shipping targets to include data centers and undersea internet cables. Mahdi Mohammadi, senior adviser to Iran’s chief negotiator General Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed expectations of a short conflict. He described the notion that the US could complete strikes within 72 hours as 'fantasy,' adding that Iran would decide the war's duration. Mohammadi emphasized, 'Our attacks will be more fierce, creative and different. We are determined and confident and strong planning has been put in place.'

Political dynamics in Israel may also affect the timing of any military operation. With elections held on October 27, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position could influence decisions regarding conflict initiation. Analysts suggest that if Netanyahu loses and remains a caretaker leader, launching a war may prove difficult. Conversely, the prospect of joint US-Israeli strikes might pressure rivals to form a unity government.

As military preparations and diplomatic negotiations continue, the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran raises concerns about escalation in the region. Uncertainty persists over the final US decisions and how Iran might respond, leaving the situation closely watched by international observers.