Trump and Netanyahu Hold Tense Call as US Weighs Renewed Strikes on Iran
Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Iran Talks and Possible Military Action
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a frank telephone conversation on Saturday about negotiations with Iran and the possibility of renewed military operations.
According to US and Israeli sources cited by Axios, Netanyahu urged Trump to resume strikes against Iran immediately after Tuesday’s US midterm elections. Trump, however, prefers to allow diplomatic efforts more time.
An Israeli source described the conversation as “tough”, while a US source called it “direct”. Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office commented on the reported details. Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Netanyahu, describing the conversation as “a very good talk”.
Washington Pursues Diplomacy Alongside Military Preparations
Trump is pursuing diplomatic negotiations while keeping the option of further military action open. His administration is seeking an agreement with Tehran as it prepares for the possibility of renewed large-scale operations after the midterm elections.
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The approach follows earlier US military operations against Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 and Operation Epic Fury, which began in February 2026.
Last week, Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iranian national security chief Mohsen Rezaei through Qatari mediators. The communication proposed restarting negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The letter marked the highest-level US outreach to Iran in several months. Its contents have not been made public, although reports say Washington wants Iran’s nuclear programme included in any renewed negotiations.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said negotiations with Iran were “going fine”. He added that he was not “in much of a hurry” to resume military action.
Trump acknowledged that Tehran appeared interested in an agreement but questioned its reliability. He said Iranian officials had previously reached agreements before backing away from them.
The president also kept possible strikes against Iran’s remaining nuclear-related targets under consideration.
“We can do that in 10 minutes. We have that planned,” Trump said, referring to a suspected underground nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. He also said the United States could act quickly against one or two remaining targets.
Qatar Works to Restart US-Iran Negotiations
Diplomatic efforts continued in Qatar on Sunday, where mediators met Iranian officials for a third consecutive day.
The discussions aim to establish an understanding that would allow direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran to resume. Qatari mediators have also maintained contact with US officials as they seek to bridge differences between the two sides.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions had not produced an agreement. He stressed that progress depended on Washington addressing Tehran’s outstanding questions.
“We are making every effort in this regard and hope that the other side will demonstrate enough rationality to choose diplomacy over other paths,” Araghchi said.
The latest developments underline the uncertainty surrounding US policy towards Iran. Washington continues to pursue negotiations while retaining the option of further military action.
Netanyahu’s reported call for strikes and Trump’s preference for more diplomatic engagement also highlight differing approaches between the two leaders as the November 3 midterm elections approach.
