US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone call on Saturday to discuss Iran policy, with Netanyahu urging immediate military action after the US midterm elections, while Trump emphasized continued diplomatic efforts, according to reports citing Israeli and US sources. The White House and Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on the call.
Trump confirmed the conversation during remarks in Iowa on Sunday, stating that Iran was among the topics discussed but providing no further details. Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately reiterated that Trump has not made a decision on military action and prefers a diplomatic resolution, though he noted the president’s confidence in US military readiness.
-- Immediate Developments --
US military buildup in the Middle East
The US has significantly increased its military presence in the region ahead of the midterms, with three aircraft carrier strike groups—including the USS George Washington, USS George W. Bush, and USS Theodore Roosevelt—deployed to the Arabian Sea. The combined force includes over 20,000 sailors and marines, alongside 150 warplanes such as F-35s and F/A-18 Super Hornets. Reports indicate additional military transport aircraft and air defense systems have been sent to Israel and regional allies in recent days.
Iran’s response and threats
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered military preparations to counter potential threats, calling for a response to any US-Israeli action. A spokesman for Tehran warned that any new war could last longer than previous conflicts, stating that the US would not dictate its terms. Iranian officials have also emphasized updating military databases to target US and Israeli assets.
-- Diplomatic and Military Posturing --
Diverging strategies between US and Israel
Multiple reports suggest Netanyahu pressed for immediate strikes after the midterms, while Trump has signaled a preference for diplomacy despite ongoing military preparations. Rubio stated on Sunday that Trump remains open to a peaceful resolution but retains the capability to act militarily if necessary. Trump has previously described negotiations as "going fine" but questioned Iran’s reliability in past agreements.
Focus on Iran’s nuclear sites
Trump has repeatedly highlighted the need to address one or two remaining nuclear sites, including the suspected underground facility at Pickaxe Mountain. He stated that such targets could be addressed "in 10 minutes," though military analysts have questioned whether current bunker-buster capabilities could guarantee destruction of deeply buried facilities.
-- Regional and Strategic Implications --
Israel’s military readiness
Israeli officials have indicated the country is prepared to join US strikes if requested, though the specifics of joint objectives remain unclear. Reports suggest Israel has rehearsed strikes on Iran, with its air force conducting flights through Syria and Iraq to test strike routes. Analysts note Israel’s focus on western and Tehran sectors, while the US would target southern regions and additional Tehran-area sites.
Potential long-term consequences
Analysts warn that a short, high-intensity campaign may not neutralize Iran’s regional influence. Some Israeli strategists argue that striking Iran alone would leave intact proxies such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas, enabling Tehran to wage a prolonged proxy war. Others emphasize the risks of escalation, including potential Iranian retaliation with drones, missiles, or unconventional weapons.
-- Timeline and Next Steps --
The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, with military planning reportedly contingent on their outcome. Trump has stated that the Iran conflict will be "wrapped up soon," either through a deal or military action. Meanwhile, Iran has framed any new conflict as a prolonged struggle, rejecting US attempts to dictate its duration or terms.