Netanyahu Presses Trump for Fresh Strikes on Iran After US Midterms, Officials Say

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing President Donald Trump to launch another round of strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November, according to two regional officials and a third person familiar with the discussions. Netanyahu raised the request during a call with Trump over the weekend. Trump confirmed the conversation but provided no details beyond describing it as very good and noting that Iran was discussed.

Trump has alternated between public threats of major strikes and statements that negotiations are proceeding. On Saturday he told reporters that talks with Iran were "going fine." Vice-President JD Vance has also expressed optimism about a possible negotiated settlement. At the same time, limited US strikes on Qeshm Island took place on Monday, described by officials as defensive responses to Iranian surface-to-air missiles.

Sources and Timing

The accounts come from officials briefed on the exchanges. One source said Netanyahu is working with senior figures in the US administration to encourage a quick but extensive air campaign. Trump has not committed. Other US allies in the Middle East have warned against further strikes, citing risks of regional destabilisation and possible Houthi attacks on shipping and Saudi targets.

Netanyahu's push follows Israeli elections in which his coalition lost its parliamentary majority. A return to large-scale operations against Iran could strengthen his position in negotiations to form a new government. Trump faces his own electoral test on Tuesday, with the cost of living and energy prices among the central issues.

Diplomatic Track and Military Readiness

Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran continue. Vance has been involved in communications with Iranian counterparts. The limited Qeshm strikes occurred while those talks were ongoing and while Trump publicly played down the likelihood of major combat after the midterms. US and Israeli forces remain at elevated readiness.

The combination of ongoing limited kinetic activity, public optimism about a deal and private Israeli pressure for broader strikes leaves the next phase dependent on both the midterm results and decisions in Washington. Markets have already reacted to the Qeshm reports with modest oil-price gains. Any decision to expand operations would have immediate implications for energy prices and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Open Questions

Whether Trump will authorise additional strikes after the midterms remains undecided according to the officials cited. Netanyahu has not publicly confirmed the request. The outcome of Tuesday's voting will shape the political space available to the administration for further military steps. For now the public message from Washington remains focused on negotiations while limited defensive actions continue.