Is Iran ready for another major US attack after midterm elections?

Tehran is preparing for a potential new wave of attacks from the United States and Israel, with officials in Tehran signaling readiness for a broad response that could target US bases and energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

Reports indicate that the US and Israel have developed specific plans for a short but intensive operation against Iranian nuclear facilities and military assets, while Tehran is reinforcing its internal security and missile capabilities.

The looming US midterm elections and the upcoming Israeli election are complicating the situation, as President Donald Trump has signaled a possible shift in strategy after the polls close.

The United States last launched strikes on Iran in early September, and the New York Times reported that the two nations are now examining options for a renewed campaign.

The goal of such an operation would be to force Iran into making diplomatic concessions by further weakening its economy, as negotiations to end the conflict have gone nowhere.

The United States has also maintained a blockade of Iranian oil exports in the Strait of Hormuz that has sapped Tehran's oil revenues.

Two US aircraft carrier strike groups are currently in the Arabian Sea, with a third expected to arrive by late November.

Political timing and threats

The US midterm elections on November 3 and Israel's October 27 election have injected a political factor into how both countries are approaching the conflict, which they launched in late February.

Polls show that high energy prices brought on by the Iran war are hurting Donald Trump's Republican Party.

On October 8, the president posted on social media that the United States would not attack Iran before the midterms, citing 'productive discussions' with Tehran.

After the elections are over, however, Trump may feel less politically constrained.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has campaigned on a platform of regime change in Iran.

Iran's defensive preparations

Iranian officials say they are prepared for another attack, with a broad response that would include strikes on US bases and energy facilities in the Gulf.

Ali Asghar Shafieian, a media adviser to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, told DW that, although the United States retains a significant technological and military advantage, Tehran's strategy is based on preserving the regime's hold on the country rather than matching US strength.

Shafieian pointed to the rapid replacement of senior officials killed in previous attacks as an example of how Tehran has tried to make its political structure more resilient.

Iran has also been rebuilding missile and drone capabilities that were hit during the massive wave of strikes during the first weeks of the war.

Rahman Ghahremanpour, a Tehran-based political analyst, told DW that Iran's preparations extend beyond missiles and drones to prioritizing internal security.

That includes confronting armed opposition groups, preparing for possible protests and developing plans to prevent external military pressure from combining with domestic unrest.

In the government's asymmetric-war strategy, the ultimate objective is to convince the United States that regime change through military action is impossible.

Economic pressure and public sentiment

Talks continue to snag on Iran's nuclear program, which US officials say must top the agenda.

Iran's latest proposal to the United States, sent through Qatari mediators, included an offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control, in exchange for the US's lifting its maritime blockade, releasing frozen assets and ending military actions.

A doctor in Tehran told DW that she fears what would happen should fighting resumed.

Speaking with the media in Iran remains very dangerous, and she spoke under condition of anonymity.

The economic situation has become extremely bad, and she expects authorities to restrict internet access again if fighting resumes.

A woman in Tehran described anger toward regime supporters and said another war combined with domestic protests could increase the risk of confrontations on the streets.

Asked about possible attacks on underground nuclear sites, she said the issue felt increasingly detached from her everyday problems.

For now, we are facing a deadlock, and Iranian officials do not appear optimistic about reaching an agreement.