Washington:US President Donald Trump is prioritizing diplomatic engagement with Iran, despite pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch military strikes immediately following Tuesday's US midterm elections, as reported by Axios.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, in a phone conversation on Saturday, Netanyahu urged the US to resume military action against Iran shortly after the elections. However, Trump was inclined to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to continue. Sources familiar with the conversation indicated that Netanyahu is concerned about Trump's diplomatic approach.
An Israeli source characterized the discussion as "tough," while a US source described it as "direct." Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Netanyahu by phone, describing the conversation as 'a very good talk.' He mentioned that the two leaders discussed Iran but did not provide further details.
Trump remarked that talks with Iran were progressing well and mentioned he was not "in much of a hurry" to resume strikes. This contrasts with his earlier suggestions of potentially resuming strikes after the November 3 midterms. The exchange follows correspondence from US Vice President JD Vance to Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, about the possible resumption of formal negotiations.
Qatari mediators are working to facilitate a return to direct negotiations between the US and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that no agreement has been reached yet, as Tehran awaits responses from the United States on unresolved issues. The White House and the Israeli prime minister's office declined to comment on the report.