U.S. military prepares for possible renewed strikes on Iran as Qatar seeks deal to prevent return to war, Axios reports

The U.S. military is finalizing preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran, including deploying additional military assets to the Middle East, as Qatari mediators seek an agreement to prevent renewed fighting, according to Axios.

U.S. officials told the outlet that military preparations were continuing while President Donald Trump weighed his next move following Republican defeats in the November 3 midterm elections. No decision to resume large-scale strikes has been announced.

Qatari mediators are simultaneously seeking Washington’s and Tehran’s approval for a draft agreement aimed at preventing another round of hostilities and potentially reopening direct negotiations within days.

Vice President JD Vance has advocated a negotiated settlement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have supported renewed military action, according to Axios.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have favored maintaining the U.S. naval blockade and economic pressure on Iran rather than immediately returning to combat.

Trump told Axios earlier this week that he was in no rush to decide whether to resume military operations, while acknowledging that Washington remained in contact with Tehran through diplomatic channels.

The latest developments follow public celebrations by Iranian officials over Republican electoral losses. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, described the results as a political defeat for Trump in Washington.

Diplomats involved in mediation efforts, along with presidential advisers and regional experts, warned that such reactions from Tehran could increase Trump’s willingness to authorize further strikes, Axios reported.

Trump acknowledged Wednesday that the Iran war had contributed to higher gasoline prices and Republican electoral losses but defended the military campaign as necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Washington and Tehran have yet to approve the Qatari proposal, leaving diplomatic efforts unresolved as American forces continue preparing for the possibility of renewed large-scale fighting.