Netanyahu urges Trump for new Iran strikes after midterms
Israeli leaders want military action while diplomats push a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
By Katherine Brooks ·
Two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a new wave of strikes on Iran following Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections.
The push comes as President Donald Trump alternates between threatening major attacks and seeking a diplomatic resolution. During a weekend call with Netanyahu, the Israeli leader pressed for military action. According to a person briefed on the conversation, Trump did not commit to taking that step. The White House did not directly respond to questions about the discussion.
Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel. The two officials said mediators are working on a framework that would have Iran cease its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade on Iranian ports. More talks are scheduled for this week. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified briefings received from American and Israeli officials.
Other U.S. allies in the Middle East are warning against further strikes. A third regional official said those allies believe additional attacks would destabilize the region. The Israeli government did not immediately comment on the situation.
Iran stated it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks with the U.S. if Washington meets its demands. This timeline is shorter than a previous one-week estimate that relied on seven specific conditions. Those conditions include lifting the blockade on Iranian ports. Iran now requires ships passing through the reopened strait to follow a route agreed upon by Iran and Oman.
Separately, Iranian officials said the U.S. must lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales. They also want a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the plan remains the basis for negotiations through mediators despite the shorter timeline. He added that the approach demonstrates Iran’s good-faith stance.
Source: Boston Herald
