US President Donald Trump is prioritising diplomatic engagement with Iran despite pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume military strikes.
According to Axios, Netanyahu urged Washington during a telephone conversation on Saturday to restart military operations against Iran shortly after the November 3 US midterm elections. However, Trump reportedly favoured giving ongoing diplomatic negotiations more time to produce results.
Sources familiar with the conversation described the discussion as direct and difficult. Israeli officials reportedly expressed concern over Trump’s approach, while the US president described his conversation with Netanyahu as very good.
Trump previously indicated that negotiations with Tehran were progressing positively and said he was not in a hurry to resume military action.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are gaining momentum as Washington explores renewed negotiations with Iran. Vice President JD Vance reportedly sent correspondence to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei concerning the possible resumption of formal talks.
Qatari mediators are also holding discussions with Iranian representatives to facilitate a return to direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that no agreement has been reached. He said Tehran is awaiting responses from Washington on outstanding issues.
The latest developments highlight growing differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over handling Iran, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside preparations for possible military action.
