Trump, Netanyahu plot new attack on Iran before election

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed launching a new major military operation in Iran ahead of the upcoming US and Israeli elections, according to a report by US media outlet Axios.

The report, published on Tuesday (October 13), cited two US officials and other sources familiar with the matter and said that discussions about attacking Iran had taken place before Trump's public statements that he would not attack Iran before the US midterm elections.

According to the report, Netanyahu told Trump that Israeli intelligence had told him that Iran was trying to rebuild its nuclear program. One source said that the issue of whether the country was using the Pickaxe Mountain facility to enrich uranium was also discussed.

However, a White House official called reports of talks between the two leaders about restarting the war "false," saying Trump had backed away from plans to launch an attack before the November midterm elections.

Citing sources, the report said that the US and Israeli military are still on alert. Preparations are also being finalized to be able to launch a quick operation if Trump changes his position. A US official said that Trump has not yet made any clear commitments in this regard. However, he has told Netanyahu to be ready.

The report also said that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the leadership of US Central Command have taken the strongest position in favor of launching new strikes on Iran. On the other hand, most of Trump's advisers favor continuing sanctions and economic pressure instead of new strikes.

Meanwhile, Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Yal Zamir told US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kaine that Israel's October 27 elections may have to be postponed due to a possible Iranian missile attack if war breaks out within the next three weeks.

The report said that Qatari mediators are still awaiting Iran's response to the latest US counter-proposal.