Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been urging US President Donald Trump to resume military strikes against Iran, making daily calls even as Washington considers diplomatic options to end the conflict.
According to a Financial Times report, people briefed on the discussions said Netanyahu had been pressing Trump to restart the military campaign. The appeals come as several Arab governments are encouraging the US administration to prioritise negotiations and avoid further escalation.
The reported pressure follows a series of limited US military operations against Iranian targets. Qeshm Island was struck on November 3 and November 6. Trump also acknowledged that American forces had carried out smaller operations, including an attack that destroyed an Iranian anti-aircraft installation.
Washington weighs diplomacy
Netanyahu’s push reportedly intensified after the US midterm elections, in which the Republicans lost their legislative majorities. The Iran war had emerged as a significant political issue for the Trump administration.
The Israeli Prime Minister is also facing domestic political uncertainty after Israel’s recent elections produced a hung parliament. His Likud-led bloc failed to secure a majority, while opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate to attempt to form the next government.
According to sources cited by Axios, Netanyahu urged Trump to launch fresh strikes immediately after the US midterm results. However, the administration chose to allow diplomatic discussions to continue. The two leaders also held what US officials described as a frank conversation about strategies concerning Iran last week.
Trump’s latest public remarks suggest a preference for maintaining the current military position rather than launching another major offensive.
“Iran militarily is effectively over,” he said on Monday, adding that Washington was maintaining the status quo.
His comments followed a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during which they discussed a draft proposal to resolve the conflict.
Regional leaders push for a deal
Under the reported framework, Iran has offered to guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if Washington lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Tehran has also sought the return of frozen foreign reserves and renewed negotiations on a broader nuclear agreement.
Qatar has been among the regional governments urging Washington to continue diplomatic engagement. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have also been involved in diplomatic outreach.
The competing pressures from Israel and regional Arab governments leave Washington weighing military demands against the prospect of a negotiated settlement.
Source: The New Indian Express, with inputs from Financial Times, Axios and ANI
