Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported that a senior American official said President Donald Trump could be more inclined to authorize a large-scale military operation against Iran if the Republican Party loses the upcoming midterm elections. The official stated that such a political setback might prompt the US commander-in-chief to seek a decisive demonstration of power on the international stage to reassert political authority.

Drones belonging to the Rapid Support Forces

Iran threatened an “earth-shattering blow” against the United States and Israel on Saturday, warning that “red lines are a thing of the past” if either resumes military strikes. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly ordered armed forces to prepare for retaliation without geographic limits, while President Donald Trump weighs renewed action.

Washington reinforced its military posture, and regional mediators sought an agreement ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday morning amid preparations for possible strikes on Iran. Citing people familiar with the call, the publication stated that Trump had earlier met with senior military commanders at the White House to discuss options for resuming major combat operations.