US President Donald Trump conducted a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliberate on the trajectory of military operations against Iran, US media reported. According to officials quoted by Axios, the Saturday discussion covered the current state of negotiations with the Islamic Republic, with Netanyahu urging immediate strikes following the US midterm elections, while Trump indicated a preference for allowing diplomatic channels to continue.
The Israeli source characterized the exchange as tough, whereas the American counterpart described it as direct. Throughout the protracted eight-month conflict, the administration has maintained a dual strategy: conducting targeted airstrikes and other offensive actions against Iranian assets while simultaneously pursuing a diplomatic accord aimed at revitalizing peace talks and restoring vital oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
During a subsequent press briefing, Trump asserted that negotiations were progressing favorably, noting that only one or two remaining targets required attention. He also emphasized that offensive action was being deferred, as Washington had already significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear program.
The diplomatic outreach follows Iran’s disclosure that its security chief Mohsen Rezaei received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance aimed at reinvigorating stalled talks. Additionally, a Qatari delegation traveled to Tehran on Friday to engage with Iranian officials, signaling continued mediator interest in resuming negotiations.
Trump’s handling of the Middle East conflict has drawn substantial political scrutiny, particularly from voters in recent midterms who have expressed frustration over rising gas prices and broader cost-of-living increases, potentially channeling that sentiment into future electoral decisions.