Netanyahu Reportedly Pushes Trump to Consider Renewed Military Action against Iran Before Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to consider resuming military operations against Iran before upcoming elections in Israel and the United States, according to a report by Axios. The discussions come amid concerns in Israel that Iran may be rebuilding parts of its nuclear programme following the earlier conflict.

According to US and Israeli officials cited in the report, Netanyahu and Trump discussed the possibility of a joint military operation targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities. Netanyahu reportedly referred to intelligence suggesting that Tehran was taking steps to restore elements of its nuclear capabilities.

The reported discussions took place before Trump publicly stated that the United States would not resume strikes against Iran before the November midterm elections.

Trump Yet to Make a Final Decision

The report said Trump had not made a firm commitment to authorise another military campaign. One US official indicated that the president had told Netanyahu to prepare for a possible operation, while leaving open whether it would take place.

The White House subsequently rejected the claim that Trump and Netanyahu had discussed restarting the war, reiterating the president's public position against launching new strikes before the US midterms. Netanyahu's office said the prime minister maintains regular contact with Trump but did not disclose the details of their conversations.

Trump has reportedly shifted between considering military action and favouring continued economic pressure on Tehran. Some officials are said to support renewed strikes, while others believe sanctions and other non-military measures should remain the priority.

Elections Add Political Sensitivity to Iran Policy

The timing of any renewed military operation could have implications for both leaders. Israel is scheduled to hold its election on October 27, while US voters will go to the polls for the midterm elections on November 3.

A fresh conflict could influence domestic political debates in both countries. In Israel, renewed fighting could raise security concerns and potentially disrupt the election timetable. In the United States, military escalation could bring renewed attention to the costs of the conflict and the potential impact on energy prices.

Military Forces Remain Prepared for Possible Escalation

Despite uncertainty over the political decision, reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces and US Central Command are maintaining readiness for a possible resumption of hostilities.

The discussions reportedly include potential strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. However, no final decision to launch a new operation has been confirmed publicly.

The diplomatic situation also remains unresolved, with regional mediators awaiting Iran's response to a US counterproposal aimed at ending the conflict. The competing approaches of renewed military pressure and continued negotiations leave the next stage of US-Iran relations uncertain.