The person spoke anonymously to discuss sensitive preparations. The reported plans do not mean an attack is certain: the source said U.S. forces are being assembled in the region to be ready, but that the buildup could also be intended to pressure Iran to reach a diplomatic agreement.

Israel had initially planned to strike Iran in mid-October, roughly two weeks before its Oct. 27 election, but President Donald Trump objected, the person said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is seeking reelection, has campaigned on a threat to topple Iran’s government. The reported timing would place any potential U.S. action after American voters cast ballots in the midterms, though no public explanation for that timing was provided.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that Tehran was prepared for both diplomacy and conflict. “Any scenario is conceivable including the possibility of an attack by the U.S. and Israel,” he told Iranian state media.

The account rests on an anonymous source briefed on the planning; the details provided do not establish that either government has made a final decision to attack. A strike could sharply escalate tensions across the region, while the reported military preparations may also be part of efforts to gain leverage in negotiations.