The Media Line: CENTCOM Finalizes Post-Midterm Iran Strike Plans as Israel Warns US of Possible Chemical Weapons Attacks  

CENTCOM Finalizes Post-Midterm Iran Strike Plans as Israel Warns US of Possible Chemical Weapons Attacks  

By The Media Line Staff  

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has finalized plans for possible strikes on Iran as early as Wednesday evening, while Israeli intelligence has warned Washington that Tehran may be preparing chemical weapons attacks, according to reports by The New York Times and The Jerusalem Post.  

President Donald Trump has not approved military action, although preparations are complete for a potential three-day campaign against Iranian missile and drone arsenals, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command centers and energy infrastructure.  

The proposed timing follows the November 3 US midterm elections and coincides with a temporary concentration of American naval forces in the region.  

Three US aircraft carrier strike groups are converging in the area, but one is scheduled to return to its home port after early November. Military planners also favor the moonless nights during this period, which offer operational advantages for advanced American aircraft.  

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have spent the past two weeks briefing US intelligence agencies and other officials about Iran’s potential chemical weapons capabilities.  

According to The New York Times, Israel believes Tehran is developing the ability to deliver chemical agents through missiles, drones or covert operations. Israeli officials consider the potential threat more urgent than Iran’s nuclear ambitions.  

American officials remain divided over the intelligence. Some regard it as credible, citing recent warnings about Iranian preparations to attack US interests. Others question whether Israel is attempting to encourage Washington to resume military operations against Tehran.  

Israel has also presented its findings to Gulf governments, some of which doubt Iran intends to deploy chemical weapons.  

Iran acknowledged in 2003 that it developed chemical capabilities during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s but maintained that they were subsequently dismantled.  

Tehran continues to deny possessing chemical weapons and has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of promoting the allegations as a ploy.  

Unclassified US intelligence assessments have nevertheless concluded that Iran “likely aims” to continue chemical weapons research and development.  

Within the Trump administration, officials have debated continued economic sanctions against Iran versus military action. Any strike would require the president’s authorization.