WASHINGTON — The Bush administration plans to delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq (news - web sites) until after U.S. elections in November, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race.

"When this election's over, you'll see us move very vigorously," said one senior administration official involved in strategic planning, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Once you're past the election, it changes the political ramifications" of a large-scale offensive, the official said. "We're not on hold right now. We're just not as aggressive."

Any delay in pacifying Iraq's most troublesome cities, however, could alter the dynamics of a different election — the one in January, when Iraqis are to elect members of a national assembly.