Trump weighs pre-emptive strike against Iran
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Donald Trump is reportedly considering a pre-emptive strike against Iran after reviewing US intelligence assessments submitted by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Washington has also ordered non-essential personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, according to Haaretz and the US State Department.
Donald Trump is now said to be leaning towards a pre-emptive strike against Iran, after reviewing intelligence assessments submitted by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Wednesday 21 October 2026, citing sources within the US administration. The change in position is said to have come in recent hours, less than two weeks before the US midterm elections and a few days before the vote in Israel.
Pete Hegseth made a discreet visit to Israel on Monday, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. On the same day, Netanyahu said in a video filmed at an Israeli air base: “We have a job to finish”. Hegseth’s visit had already been marked by his meeting with the Israeli prime minister (Pete Hegseth meets Benjamin Netanyahu during surprise visit to Israel).
On Sunday, Trump warned that Iran would eventually target Israel and the United States, saying: “It’s only a matter of time”. Meanwhile, the US State Department ordered non-essential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Its spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, linked the measure to the increase in attacks by the Houthis, Iran-backed Yemeni rebels, particularly against airports and critical infrastructure.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
