A Dutch envoy has hinted that new attacks on Iran are possible and suggested the United States could strike the country as early as this weekend, according to De Telegraaf. The newspaper reported the remark on Friday, 23 October 2026, in its live coverage of the situation.
The envoy's comment was reported alongside other Dutch coverage pointing to broader planning. According to De Telegraaf, the suggestion is that Washington could act within days rather than weeks.
Other Dutch outlets have reported that the United States and Israel are discussing a new military operation against Iran. BNR reported that the timing overlaps with elections, and NU reported that a large attack is being planned after the midterms, with the "mother of all bombs" said to be under consideration. De Volkskrant reported that plans are ready for a large-scale attack by the U.S. and Israel on Iran. NOS also listed new attacks on Iran among the topics covered on its Nieuwsuur programme on 22 October.
The reports stop short of confirming that any operation has been ordered or will go ahead. They describe discussions, planning and a diplomat's remark, not a decision. No details on targets, scale or timing beyond the reported hints have been confirmed by the outlets cited.
What to watch next: whether Washington or Jerusalem confirms any decision, and whether the coming days bring official statements rather than unnamed hints.
