WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is prioritising diplomatic efforts with Iran despite pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch military strikes shortly after Tuesday’s US midterm elections, the news outlet Axios reported on Sunday.
According to American and Israeli sources familiar with the exchange, Netanyahu urged Washington during a phone conversation on Saturday to resume military action against Iran soon after the vote. Trump, however, favoured allowing ongoing diplomatic efforts to continue.
The report said Netanyahu was concerned about Trump’s approach. An Israeli source described the conversation as “tough,” while a US source characterised it as “direct.”
Trump Favors Talks
Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Netanyahu by phone, describing the conversation as “a very good talk.” He acknowledged that Iran was discussed but provided no further details.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said negotiations with Iran were progressing well and that he was not “in much of a hurry” to resume military strikes. However, his previous remarks had suggested that military action could restart after the November 3 midterm elections.
Diplomatic Efforts
The reported exchange comes amid efforts to revive formal negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to the report, US Vice President JD Vance sent correspondence to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, regarding the possible resumption of formal talks.
Qatari mediators are also holding discussions with Iranian representatives to facilitate a return to direct negotiations.
Iran Holds Doha Talks as Trump Warns Nuclear Sites Could Be Hit in Minutes
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no agreement had been reached and that Tehran was awaiting US responses on outstanding issues.
The White House and the Israeli prime minister’s office declined to comment on the Axios report.
Vessel Incident in Hormuz
Separately, a vessel was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre.
In a warning notice, UKMTO said the master of a merchant vessel had relayed a Mayday distress call received over VHF Channel 16, reporting that another vessel had been hit.
The agency listed the incident time as 2009 Pakistan Standard Time on November 1.
UKMTO Issues Warning
UKMTO advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity while authorities investigate the incident.
The agency did not identify the vessel reportedly struck or provide details about possible casualties, damage or the origin of the projectile.
The incident adds to security concerns surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global energy supplies.
