Pentagon is preparing strike options on Iran for Trump to weigh before the midterms, The Atlantic reports. Even the plans' own advocates concede limited strikes won't reopen the Strait of Hormuz or br

What happened: The Atlantic reported the White House asked the Pentagon to develop strike options against Iranian targets that could be used before the midterm elections, with the decision still under debate. Key numbers: Midterms set for November 3. Conflict described as a seven-month quagmire. A tanker was hit about 51 nautical miles north of Qatar. Why it matters: Officials said limited strikes would not bring Iran to the table, restore safe Hormuz travel, or lower gas prices, and escalation has tended to push oil prices up. Iran and Oman agreed on safe transit route coordinates.

The Atlantic reported the White House asked the Pentagon to develop strike options against Iranian targets that could be used before the midterm elections, with the decision still under debate.

Officials said limited strikes would not bring Iran to the table, restore safe Hormuz travel, or lower gas prices, and escalation has tended to push oil prices up. Iran and Oman agreed on safe transit route coordinates.