"Trump Discussed 'Attacking Iran Before Midterms' with Netanyahu Last Week"

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly discussed the possibility of a large-scale military operation before stating that there would be no attack on Iran prior to the midterm elections.

The online media outlet Axios reported on the 13th, local time, that President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed a joint operation to strike Iran's military and nuclear facilities during a phone call last week.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is known to have conveyed the assessment of Israeli intelligence agencies to President Trump that Iran has shown concerning moves to rebuild its nuclear program.

However, following his discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump stated on the 8th that he would "not attack Iran before the midterm elections."

Nevertheless, U.S. and Israeli military forces are reportedly maintaining high readiness and continuing military preparations in case President Trump changes his stance.

A U.S. official explained, "It appears Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to attack Iran again," adding, "President Trump told Prime Minister Netanyahu to 'stay prepared.'"

President Trump was initially reported to be leaning toward resuming attacks before shifting to a more cautious stance recently.

If a war resumes right before the elections, significant impacts are expected on the domestic politics of both the United States and Israel.

The Israeli general election is scheduled for the 27th, and the U.S. midterm elections are slated for one week later on November 3.

The Israeli military believes that if attacks resume, Iran could retaliate with hundreds of ballistic missiles.

It has also been reported that the possibility of postponing the Israeli general election was discussed in such a scenario.

Concerns have also been raised in the United States that the resumption of war could serve as a variable in the midterm elections alongside rising oil prices.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are reportedly not completely halted.

Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran's response to the latest U.S. counterproposal, which includes demands for concessions regarding the nuclear issue.

President Trump told reporters that day, "Iran is a failing nation," adding, "We will make a decision regarding Iran soon."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.