Netanyahu Presses Trump to Strike Iran After US Midterm Elections
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging US President Donald Trump to launch fresh military strikes against Iran shortly after the US midterm elections. However, Mr. Trump wants to give ongoing diplomatic talks with Tehran a chance rather than escalate the military confrontation.
The information was reported by US news outlet Axios. According to the report, the two leaders recently discussed progress in negotiations with Iran and the possibility of resuming military operations during a phone call.
Mr. Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Mr. Netanyahu but did not disclose details of their discussion. He indicated that he wanted to keep the diplomatic option open before considering military action.
Meanwhile, amid rising military tensions, talks between Iranian negotiators and US representatives are underway in Doha, with Qatar acting as a mediator, in an effort to avert conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran is prepared to pursue both “defence and diplomacy”.
Although Mr. Trump has expressed support for a diplomatic solution, he has not entirely ruled out military action. He said the United States could strike Iranian targets within minutes.
Referring to Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain, Mr. Trump said the United States could take action there very quickly if it wanted to. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Mr. Trump had not yet made any final decision on launching fresh strikes against Iran.
Iran has strongly responded to Mr. Trump’s remarks. Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia warned that if a new war broke out, it could last much longer than the previous conflict. He also cautioned that the US president could not unilaterally determine the duration or terms of the war.
Tehran has also threatened retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli bases in neighbouring countries if Iran comes under attack. As a result, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the possibility of a renewed military confrontation remains.
Source: Axios
