US PREPARES MILITARY FOR POSSIBLE NEW IRAN STRIKES , TRUMP YET TO DECIDE

What happened: The Pentagon instructed US Central Command to complete preparations for possible renewed strikes on Iran, Axios reported. President Trump has not made a final decision, and no date was set. Key numbers: US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3; Israeli elections are expected a week earlier. Why it matters: Israeli officials told Axios the chances of strikes before the midterms are not high but rise significantly after. Renewed operations would likely involve the US and Israel together, with Iran possibly firing ballistic missiles at Israel. Coverage: 6 outlets in 24h

US military escalation against Iran signals potential geopolitical instability pending Trump's decision.

US military escalation against Iran signals potential geopolitical instability pending Trump's decision. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.