Axios says Israel told Washington action was an exercise and show of force; Israeli defense officials said to warn IDF chief to prevent an unnecessary strike before election

The midterm elections appear to be a factor for both sides in the war as President Trump weighs his next steps.

© Brandon Tauszik for The New York Times

GBU-43/B, dubbed 'mother of all bombs,' could be used, CNN reports; Trump jokes he may have killed 'too many' Iranian leaders as Tehran accuses US of fomenting unrest