Netanyahu is pressing Trump to attack Iran after US midterm elections, officials say

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging the United States to launch another round of airstrikes on Iran following the country's recent midterm elections, according to multiple officials. A full-scale war with Iran could potentially help Netanyahu to form an emergency government, following his recent loss of parliamentary majority in the elections.

However, US President Donald Trump has shown mixed signals on the matter, alternating between threats of major strikes and pushing for a diplomatic resolution. Diplomatic efforts, spearheaded by Qatari mediators, have made some progress, with talks ongoing to create a framework for Iran to cease its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of the US blockade on Iran's ports.

More discussions are planned for this week. Despite this, Netanyahu is reportedly working with US administration officials to pressure Trump into carrying out a swift and extensive air campaign, though the president has not yet committed to military action. Other Middle Eastern allies are concerned that additional strikes could destabilize the region and exacerbate tensions, potentially drawing in Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen, as well as further fueling violence in the Gulf.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the administration's preference for diplomatic negotiations and emphasized that Trump has confidence in military action if necessary. Meanwhile, Iran remains prepared for both war and diplomacy, with the new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowing an immediate and unrestricted response to any threat from the US or Israel.