India, Oct. 8 -- The Pentagon instructed US Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations in Iran, according to US officials.

The directive did not set a specific date for any strikes, and President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision. However, military action could take place before the US midterm elections, and potentially before the Israeli elections, which are scheduled a week earlier, Axios reported citing US and Israeli sources.

Sources added that if military operations resume, there could be massive bombing of Iranian energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets.

However, resuming the war within the next three to four weeks could also risk the Republicans' position in the u...