Trump and Netanyahu weigh possible new strikes on Iran, report says
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed the possibility of launching a new military operation against Iran ahead of elections in both countries, Axios reported Tuesday, citing two US officials and other sources familiar with the matter.
The report said Netanyahu presented Israeli intelligence assessments suggesting that Iran was seeking to rebuild its nuclear programme, including potentially operating the Pickaxe Mountain site for uranium enrichment.
A White House official rejected the report, calling it “false” that the two leaders had discussed resuming the war. The official said Trump had ruled out strikes against Iran before the US midterm elections in November.
However, US and Israeli military forces remain on alert and are preparing for a possible resumption of hostilities, according to sources cited by Axios. One US official described Trump’s position as noncommittal, saying he had told Netanyahu to prepare without making a commitment to renewed attacks.
US advisers divided over renewed military action
According to Axios, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the leadership of US Central Command are among the strongest supporters of renewed strikes against Iran.
Most of Trump’s other advisers reportedly favour maintaining sanctions and economic pressure rather than restarting military operations.
The report also said Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine that fighting within three weeks could force Israel to postpone its October 27 election because of the risk of Iranian missile retaliation.
Meanwhile, Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran’s response to the latest US counterproposal, Axios reported, as diplomatic efforts continue.
Israeli opposition leader warns of pre-election operation
Separately, former Israeli defence minister Avigdor Lieberman warned Tuesday that Netanyahu could launch a military operation against Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas before Israel’s October 27 election.
Speaking at an event in Herzliya, Lieberman, who leads the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, accused the prime minister of prioritising his political survival over national security, according to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom.
“I have no doubt that Netanyahu is actively seeking a military move before the election, whether against Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas,” Lieberman said.
He also ruled out Netanyahu joining a potential opposition-led government after the vote, arguing that the prime minister should leave office.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, dissolved on July 17 ahead of the general election scheduled for October 27.
The reports of possible military escalation come amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed fighting. Neither a new US-Israeli operation nor a decision to resume strikes has been officially confirmed.
Source:AA
