WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed launching a major new operation against Iran ahead of upcoming elections in both countries, the Axios news site reported Tuesday.The report, citing two US officials and other sources with knowledge of the matter, said the discussions took place before Trump publicly stated that he would not strike Iran before the US midterms.Netanyahu raised Israeli intelligence suggesting that Iran was working to rebuild its nuclear program, including possibly operating the Pickaxe Mountain site for uranium enrichment, according to one source.US officials told Channel 12 News they came away with the impression from last week’s talks that Netanyahu wanted to launch an attack before the elections, with the premier citing worrying steps by Iran in the nuclear arena.While Trump has since said publicly that he will not resume attacks on Iran before the US midterms, the Israel Defense Forces and CENTCOM remain at a high state of readiness and are completing preparations in case Trump changes his mind, the report quoted unnamed sources as saying.A White House official dismissed reports that the two leaders discussed resuming the war as “false”, claiming that Trump has ruled out attacks before the midterms in November.Both militaries remain on alert and are finalizing preparations in case Trump changes course, sources said. One US official described Trump’s stance as noncommittal, saying he told Netanyahu to prepare without making a commitment.According to the report, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the US Central Command leadership are the strongest advocates of renewed strikes, while most advisers favor continued sanctions and economic pressure.Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly told US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine that fighting within three weeks could force the postponement of Israel’s Oct. 27 vote, given likely Iranian missile retaliation.
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