Trump holds call with Netanyahu over state of Iran war

Washington: US President Donald Trump engaged in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the future of the conflict with Iran, according to US and Israeli sources cited by Axios. The discussion centered around the status of negotiations with Iran and the timing of potential military strikes, with Netanyahu urging Trump to launch attacks immediately following the US midterm elections.

Trump expressed a desire to allow negotiations to progress while continuing airstrikes and other operations against Iran. Throughout the ongoing eight-month war, the administration has pursued a dual approach involving military actions and efforts to negotiate a deal that would restore peace talks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international oil and gas trade.

The president maintained that talks with Iran were progressing and that Washington was not in a rush to take offensive action, as Iran's military and nuclear program had been significantly weakened. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu followed Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, disclosing a letter from US Vice-President Kamala Harris to revive stalled talks.

Additionally, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday to engage in negotiations with Iranian officials. However, Trump has faced significant political pressure over the Middle East conflict, with some voters angry about rising gas prices and other cost-of-living issues, potentially impacting the upcoming elections.