The key facts

  • Over two weeks, Trump and Netanyahu held several rounds of talks on the possible resumption of strikes on Iran (N12, Axios).
  • Netanyahu justifies the strikes with concerns about the restoration of Iran's nuclear program; Trump has not made a decision, and his position shifts.
  • The elections in Israel on October 27 and in the US Congress on November 3 make the issue politically sensitive; the militaries of the two countries are on heightened readiness.

Talks on the possible resumption of the operation

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the likelihood of resuming a large-scale military operation against Iran. This was reported by the Israeli TV channel N12. According to sources, over the past two weeks, talks between officials of the two countries were held several times. Netanyahu explained the need for joint strikes by concerns about Iran's attempts to restore its nuclear program.

Scenarios discussed and Trump's position

According to Axios, during a phone call held last week, Netanyahu also expressed concern over intelligence about Iran's nuclear program. The discussions considered the possibility of a joint US-Israeli strike on military and nuclear facilities. However, Trump has not yet made a final decision: according to sources, his position is shifting. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and representatives of US Central Command are mentioned as supporters of resuming military action, whereas most of Trump's advisers prefer the continuation of economic sanctions and other pressure measures. On October 2, at Camp David, senior administration officials held a lengthy meeting on the subsequent stages of the conflict and the likelihood of a renewed strike on Iran.

Political sensitivity and military readiness

The Israeli military leadership is also concerned about the consequences of resuming the conflict. According to N12, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told American counterparts that new military action and Iranian retaliatory strikes could lead to a postponement of the elections in Israel. Parliamentary elections in Israel are scheduled for October 27, and the US midterm congressional elections for November 3, so resuming the operation remains a politically sensitive issue. Sources emphasize that the US and Israeli militaries remain on heightened readiness and are preparing to resume action in case Trump changes his decision.