The Pentagon has told US Central Command to finish preparations for a possible return to major combat operations in Iran, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing US officials. The directive was issued several days ago but set no date for strikes. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, the report said. US and Israeli sources told Axios that renewed combat could begin before the US midterm elections on November 3, and possibly before Israel’s October 27 elections. A renewed campaign would likely be a joint US-Israeli effort, with heavy bombing of Iranian energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets. Trump discussed the option with his national security team at Camp David on Friday. But Trump told Reuters on Thursday that US forces would not attack Iran before the midterms, easing some fears. The White House said all options remain on the table and cited US control of the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy is stalled. Qatari mediators are waiting for Iran to answer a US counterproposal with nuclear demands. Markets are jittery. Brent crude eased to about $103 a barrel after Trump’s statement. US gasoline prices are near $4.36 a gallon.