Trump weighs new Iran strikes as administration splits over nuclear deal

OPA WIRE, Nov 7 (OPA) — President Donald Trump convened his national security team at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday to evaluate whether to restart bombing campaigns against Iran. Officials briefed the president that an upcoming new moon in the Middle East would provide optimal dark-sky cover for potential air operations. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Washington would soon make a decision on whether to push further to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, stating he would rather avoid destroying the country but may be forced to act.

Tehran recently submitted a new nuclear proposal through Qatari mediators, forcing the administration to choose between a diplomatic settlement and renewed military strikes. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have distributed iodine tablets to residents living near nuclear installations such as the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex near Natanz. US Central Command has finalized strike plans, and thousands of American service members remain stationed on naval vessels enforcing an ongoing blockade in the region.

The administration remains divided over the path forward. Vice President JD Vance is leading advisers advocating for a diplomatic agreement, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are pushing to maintain the naval blockade. Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, stated during a visit to Russia that Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or engage in talks until the United States lifts sanctions, releases frozen assets, and pays war reparations.

The renewed military deliberations coincide with political fallout from the congressional elections, where Democrats seized both the House and the Senate. High energy costs and the ongoing military campaign weighed heavily on voters, with gasoline averaging $4.15 a gallon on Election Day. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi warned Trump in a phone call that Iraq will not serve as a launchpad for aggression against neighboring states as tensions in the Persian Gulf remain high.