Trump later said he would not attack Iran before the election

Last week's call included discussion of strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities

US President Donald Trump (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [AFP]
US President Donald Trump (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [AFP]

US President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of a large-scale joint military operation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before publicly stating he would not attack Iran ahead of the midterm elections, according to reports.

US news outlet Axios reported Tuesday that Trump and Netanyahu reviewed plans for a joint military strike on Iran's nuclear and military facilities during a phone call last week.

Netanyahu reportedly conveyed to Trump an Israeli intelligence assessment that Iran was showing alarming signs of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program.

However, following that discussion, Trump drew a line on the 8th, stating he would not attack Iran before the midterm elections.

Despite that statement, US and Israeli forces are said to be maintaining an alert posture and continuing military preparations in case Trump changes his position.

One US official said Netanyahu "seems to want to strike Iran again" and that Trump told Netanyahu to "stay ready."

Trump had initially leaned toward resuming strikes but has since shifted to a more cautious stance, according to reports.

A resumption of hostilities just before the elections is expected to have significant implications for domestic politics in both the United States and Israel.

Israel's general election is scheduled for Oct. 27, with the US midterm elections set for a week later on Nov. 3.

The Israeli military believes Iran could retaliate with hundreds of ballistic missiles if strikes resume.

In that scenario, there has been discussion that Israel's general election could be postponed.

In the United States, concerns have also been raised that a resumption of the war could drive up oil prices and become a wild card in the midterm elections.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the United States and Iran have not completely broken down, according to reports.

Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran's response to the latest US counter-proposal, which includes demands for concessions on nuclear issues.

Trump told reporters Wednesday that "Iran is a failed state" and that "we will be making a decision on Iran very soon."


mokiya@heraldcorp.com