The White House has instructed the Pentagon to develop options for strikes against Iranian targets that could be carried out before the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

No final decision has been made, but US President Donald Trump could order strikes before Election Day, The Atlantic reports.

The scope and targets of any potential military action remain under discussion, as does the broader question of whether strikes should be carried out at all. In recent weeks, the Pentagon has presented Trump with several options for resuming military operations against Iran after the midterm elections, including possible attacks on the Islamic Republic’s energy infrastructure.

Trump wants to lower gasoline prices and demonstrate progress in the conflict before voters go to the polls.

Officials at US Central Command (CENTCOM), whose area of responsibility includes the Middle East and North Africa, acknowledge that limited strikes alone would not be enough to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to previous levels or reduce gasoline prices before the election.

Supporters of military action, however, argue that a strike could allow Trump to project strength and potentially benefit Republicans ahead of the midterms.

Such an operation could be followed by broader military action after the elections. Trump has previously indicated that the conflict, now in its eighth month, could resume after the midterms.

Trump has signaled to his aides that he is prepared to launch another strike against Iran, although some of his advisers believe the more appropriate time for military action would be after the November elections rather than before them.