Trump, Netanyahu discussed resuming strikes on Iran: 'Israeli' media

• The US president and the Israeli prime minister discussed the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran in several conversations over the past two weeks, according to Maariv, citing informed sources.
• Netanyahu reportedly believes a new military campaign against Iran in the two weeks before the US midterm elections could hurt the Likud party’s chances of remaining in power.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed the possibility of resuming military attacks on Iran in several conversations over the past two weeks, Maariv reported, citing informed sources.

The report comes after the White House denied that the two leaders had discussed restarting the war, with Maariv suggesting the denial was intended to keep Israel out of the US debate over potential renewed strikes on Iran.

According to the report, the White House’s denial was intended to avoid strengthening claims that Netanyahu was influencing Trump’s decisions on Iran.

The issue has become politically sensitive in Washington, where questions over the extent of Israel’s influence on US policy toward Iran could intensify ahead of the November midterm elections.

The reported conversations have not been independently confirmed, and the White House’s position contrasts with the account attributed to the sources cited by Maariv.

Netanyahu reportedly believes launching a new military campaign against Iran during the two weeks remaining before the US midterm elections could damage the Likud party’s chances of staying in power.

The report did not provide further details about the timing, scope, or potential targets of any renewed military action.

The reported discussions come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran and uncertainty over whether the conflict could escalate again.