The United States and Israel are reportedly considering a week-long military campaign against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail, raising concerns over the prospect of renewed aggression against the country and a further escalation of tensions across the Middle East.

According to a report by Axios, the potential campaign could target Iran’s leadership, energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. However, the reported operation remains a contingency plan, with no confirmed launch date or publicly announced final decision by US President Donald Trump.

The reported preparations come amid continuing efforts to resolve disputes through diplomacy. The Pentagon has instructed US Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations, but military readiness does not constitute an order to launch attacks.

Trump publicly ruled out strikes before the US midterm elections on October 8, while subsequent reports have indicated that Washington and Tel Aviv are weighing a possible short, intensive campaign after the vote.

The reports have heightened concerns that Washington and the Israeli government could once again resort to military force rather than pursuing a negotiated settlement. Any new attacks on Iranian territory would risk widening the conflict, threatening regional stability and endangering civilians and critical infrastructure.

Regional mediators are continuing efforts to prevent a new confrontation. According to Axios, countries including Türkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt are involved in diplomatic initiatives aimed at narrowing differences between Washington and Tehran.

Issues under discussion reportedly include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and international inspections of nuclear facilities damaged in previous attacks. No final agreement has been announced.

Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful and that its national sovereignty and security must be respected. From Tehran’s perspective, meaningful negotiations would require addressing sanctions and the consequences of military action, rather than placing demands exclusively on Iran.

The prospect of renewed US-Israeli strikes has raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Iran could retaliate against Israeli targets and US military assets in the region if attacked, potentially putting energy infrastructure and strategic shipping routes at risk.

A new military confrontation would also threaten diplomatic efforts and could impose further economic and humanitarian costs across the region.

For now, the reported campaign remains a contingency plan, not a confirmed military operation. Whether Washington chooses renewed military action or a diplomatic path will have significant consequences for regional stability.

The immediate priority, from a diplomatic perspective, is to prevent another round of attacks and pursue negotiations that respect Iran’s sovereignty, address legitimate security concerns and reduce the risk of a wider war. (ILKHA)