Netanyahu Pushes Trump to Strike Iran After Midterms in ‘Tough’ Call, Axios Says
Netanyahu is reportedly pressing Trump to strike Iran immediately after Tuesday’s U.S. midterms, but Trump wants to give negotiations more time, Axios reports. Sources called their Saturday call “tough” and “direct.”
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Axios reported on Sunday, citing one Israeli and one U.S. source, that Trump and Netanyahu spoke by phone on Saturday. They discussed the state of U.S. negotiations with Iran and how quickly to return to combat. The White House and the Israeli prime minister’s office declined to comment.
What Axios Reports About the Call
The Israeli source called the call “tough,” while the U.S. source described it as “direct.” Netanyahu is concerned about Trump’s strategy of letting negotiations play out for now. The Wall Street Journal first reported the call but did not describe its contents.
Axios says Trump is pursuing dual tracks, as before Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025. He seeks a deal to restart peace talks while preparing for a possible return to major combat after the midterms. The call followed White House talks with senior commanders on strike options.
Trump Says Talks Are Going Fine
Trump told reporters on Saturday that talks with Iran are “going fine.” He said he is not “in much of a hurry.” He said the Iranians “are not very reliable” and often back out of deals.
Trump also said the U.S. still has to “take care” of one or two nuclear sites in Iran. He pointed to Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected nuclear site built into a mountain. “We can do that in 10 minutes,” he said, adding: “We have that planned.”
Mediators and Netanyahu’s Push
Last week Vice President JD Vance wrote to Iran’s national security chief Mohsen Rezaei about restarting talks, Axios reports. Clash Report covered Vance’s reported offer to meet Rezaei. Qatari mediators met Iranian officials on Sunday for the third straight day, Axios says.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday there is no agreement yet. A deal depends on the U.S. answering Iran’s questions, he said. He said Iran hopes the other side will “choose diplomacy over other paths.”
In video remarks shared on Oct. 28, he said Israel has “a once-in-a-lifetime historic opportunity.” He spoke of acting “together with President Trump” against the Iranian threat. Axios also reported that Trump may be more inclined to hit Iran after midterm losses.
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