Netanyahu seeks U.S. strikes on Iran after midterms
The Israeli prime minister urged President Trump to launch a quick air campaign during a weekend call, as Qatari mediators continue negotiations in the region.
By Javier Sanders ·
Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing the United States to strike Iran again once the midterm elections conclude.
Two regional officials and one person familiar with the matter said Netanyahu wants a new wave of attacks after Tuesday’s vote. A full-scale war could help him form an emergency government after he and his far-right allies lost their parliamentary majority in last week’s elections. Trump has alternated between threatening strikes and seeking a deal.
Diplomatic efforts have made progress. Qatari mediators held two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week. They are trying to advance a framework where Iran ceases attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. More talks are planned for this week. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified briefings from American and Israeli officials.
One official said Netanyahu worked with senior U.S. administration officials to persuade Trump to launch a quick but extensive air campaign. The president has not made a decision. Netanyahu pressed for strikes during a call with Trump over the weekend. The president did not commit to military action, according to a person briefed on the call.
Other U.S. allies in the Middle East warn against more strikes. A third regional official said additional attacks could destabilize the region. It could lead Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen to step up attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. Iran-backed militias in Iraq could also get involved.
Trump told reporters on Sunday that he and Netanyahu had a very good call. He said they discussed Iran but gave no details. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a news conference that the administration prefers a diplomatic solution. He said Trump has incredible confidence in military action if needed. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei told state television that the tone from the U.S. has completely changed. He called it a very good sign.
China will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced the trip on Monday. President Xi Jinping told Oman’s sultan that the Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry.
