Mideast Diplomacy: Netanyahu Seeks Post-Election Strikes on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asking U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a new wave of strikes on Iran after Tuesday’s midterm elections. Two regional officials and one other source familiar with the matter said Netanyahu wants a quick but extensive air campaign. A fresh conflict could help him assemble an emergency government after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority in last week’s vote.

Trump has not yet decided. During a phone call over the weekend, Netanyahu pushed for military action, but the president did not commit to a specific timeline. Trump told reporters on Sunday that the call was very good and that they discussed Iran, though he offered few details. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that the administration prefers a diplomatic solution, noting that Trump has incredible confidence in military options if needed.

Diplomats are currently working on a framework to resolve the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatari mediators held two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week. The proposed deal involves Iran ceasing attacks in the strait in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. More talks are scheduled for this week. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified briefings from American and Israeli sources.

Other Middle Eastern allies warn that a new war could destabilize the region. They fear Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen would increase attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. Militias in Iraq could also join the fight. October saw the highest number of attacks on commercial ships in the strait since March, as Iran tried to apply economic pressure.

Iranian officials say they are prepared for both war and peace. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, met with military chiefs and urged an immediate response to any threat from the U.S. or Israel. He called for expanding the list of potential targets. Iran wants guarantees that the U.S. will follow through on any agreement, especially after previous attacks occurred during negotiations. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei said the tone from the U.S. has changed and called it a very good sign, though he has not responded to a recent letter from Vice President JD Vance.

China is stepping in to encourage dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. President Xi Jinping told Oman’s sultan that the Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry. Gulf nations have spent billions of dollars on defense since the war began, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warning that the next escalation will be more destructive and lead nowhere.