ACCORDING TO TWO ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS, THE WHITE HOUSE HAS INSTRUCTED THE PENTAGON TO PREPARE POTENTIAL STRIKE OPTIONS AGAINST IRANIAN TARGETS THAT COULD BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE THE MIDTERMS, WITH OFFICIALS SAYING THE PLANNING HIGHLIGHTS THE PRESIDENT'S EFFORTS TO BRING DOWN GAS PRICES AND SHOW TANGIBLE PROGRESS IN THE CONFLICT BEFORE VOTERS HEAD TO THE POLLS - ATLANTIC