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- Israeli prime minister raises alarm over Washington's strategy as Qatari mediators work to restart direct talks, while Trump says he is not 'in much of a hurry' to restart strikes
ADDS TRUMP'S COMMENTS ON CALL WITH NETANYAHU
By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) - US President Donald Trump is prioritizing diplomatic engagement with Iran despite pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch military strikes immediately after Tuesday's US midterm elections, the Axios news site reported Sunday.
In a phone conversation Saturday, the Israeli leader pressed Washington to resume military action against Iran shortly after the ballot, but Trump favored allowing ongoing diplomatic tracks to play out, according to American and Israeli sources familiar with the exchange. Netanyahu is concerned about Trump’s approach, according to sources.
An Israeli source characterized the discussion as "tough," while a US source described it as "direct."
Trump confirmed Sunday that he had spoken with Netanyahu by phone, describing the conversation as “a very good talk.” He said the two discussed Iran but offered no further details.
He told reporters Saturday that talks with Iran were progressing well, adding that he is not "in much of a hurry" to resume strikes, though in previous remarks he has suggested a resumption after the Nov. 3 midterms.
The exchange follows correspondence sent by US Vice President JD Vance to Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on the potential resumption of formal negotiations.
Qatari mediators are holding discussions with Iranian representatives to broker a return to direct negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that an agreement has yet to be reached, saying Tehran is awaiting answers from the United States on outstanding issues.
The White House and the Israeli prime minister's office declined to comment on the report, according to Axios.
Muhammed Yasin Güngör
