Netanyahu presses Trump for joint attack on Iran after US midterms

TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly urging US President Donald Trump to launch a joint military operation against Iran immediately after America’s November midterm elections, raising fresh concerns about a possible escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

According to the US news website Axios, Netanyahu wants Washington and Tel Aviv to coordinate another military campaign against Tehran, even as divisions within the Trump administration continue over how to handle Iran.

The reported pressure comes amid growing disagreements among senior US officials over the next steps in dealing with the Iranian government. Some administration officials reportedly favour restarting diplomatic negotiations with Tehran, while others support additional military strikes to increase pressure on Iran.

The differing positions highlight the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s Iran policy, particularly as regional tensions remain high following the US-Israeli military strikes that began on February 28, 2026.

Meanwhile, Israeli television Channel 15 has reported that the Israeli military has completed preparations for a possible attack on Iran.

According to the broadcaster, Israeli military officials are also concerned that a direct confrontation with Tehran could trigger a wider regional conflict involving Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.

The possibility of Hezbollah opening another front has prompted Israeli military planners to assess their preparedness for simultaneous missile and drone attacks from the northern border, the report said.

Such a scenario could significantly complicate Israel’s military calculations, potentially forcing its forces to defend multiple fronts while carrying out operations against Iran.

The prospect of renewed US-Israeli military action has also raised questions about the future of diplomatic efforts and the potential consequences for regional stability.

Any fresh confrontation could threaten critical infrastructure, disrupt energy supplies and increase uncertainty across international markets, particularly given the strategic importance of the Middle East to global oil shipments.

However, neither the White House nor the Israeli government has officially announced plans for a joint military operation against Iran.

For now, the reports remain based on media accounts and claims from unnamed sources, with no confirmed decision from Washington or Tel Aviv.

Whether Trump will favour renewed diplomacy or support Netanyahu’s reported push for military action remains unclear, leaving the region facing fresh uncertainty over the possibility of another major confrontation.