White House discussions

US President Donald Trump has met his national security team to discuss whether to resume major military operations against Iran, according to senior officials cited by Fox News. The meetings took place at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday, and were the first such sessions on Iran since the midterm elections earlier in the week.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Mr Trump said Washington would soon decide whether to launch further strikes or pursue other options. He said the administration would "make a decision" on whether to go further to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear programme.

Military preparations continue

US Central Command is finalising preparations for a possible resumption of major operations in Iran, according to a US official cited in reporting on the discussions. However, no new directive authorising a return to large-scale strikes has been issued by Washington.

Reporting also notes that 9 November brings a new moon over the Middle East, leaving little or no moonlight, a condition officials described as favourable for military operations. The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group is heading towards the region, although it is due to call at Singapore first and is not expected to reach Central Command's area before mid-November.

Diplomacy still in play

The administration is weighing three broad paths: fresh strikes, continued economic pressure through sanctions and a naval blockade, or a negotiated agreement involving significant concessions from Iran. Iran has said it will not negotiate over ending the conflict or reopening the Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets seven conditions set out by Tehran. Iraq's prime minister has also told Mr Trump that Iraqi territory must not be used to launch strikes against neighbouring countries.