Trump Holds Call With Netanyahu Over Possible Escalation of Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to discuss the state of the Iran war and whether to intensify military operations against Tehran, according to U.S. media reports.

Axios, citing one U.S. and one Israeli official, reported that the two leaders discussed the status of negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to launch strikes against Iran immediately after the U.S. midterm elections, while Trump favored allowing diplomatic efforts to continue.

The Israeli official described the conversation as “tough,” while the U.S. official characterized it as “direct,” Axios reported.

Throughout the eight-month conflict, Trump has pursued a dual approach, combining airstrikes and other military operations with efforts to reach an agreement that could revive peace talks and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said negotiations with Iran were “going fine.” He added that there were still one or two targets that needed to be addressed.

The president also said Washington was in no hurry to launch further offensive operations, arguing that U.S. action had already severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear program.

The Trump-Netanyahu conversation came after Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, disclosed on Saturday that he had received a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive stalled negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts also appeared to be gaining momentum, with a Qatari delegation arriving in Tehran on Friday for discussions with Iranian officials, according to Iranian state media.

Meanwhile, Trump is facing growing domestic pressure over the war. Rising gasoline prices and other increases in living costs have fueled public frustration, potentially making the conflict an important issue for voters in the U.S. midterm elections.