Trump and Netanyahu hold talks as US considers Iran military action
US President Donald Trump discussed strategic options with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran.
US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday as Washington assesses the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal. The discussion followed a White House meeting earlier in the week where Trump consulted military leaders on combat options.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that diplomatic engagement with Iran has continued without interruption, though he did not provide a specific timeline or progress report. Speaking in Georgia after the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Rubio noted that Trump has not yet decided on further military action but remains open to a diplomatic solution that protects US national security.
Rubio identified Iran's nuclear programme and its support for regional armed groups, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, as primary security concerns. He also accused Tehran of maritime aggression by targeting commercial vessels carrying oil and gas, noting that US naval forces intercept drones and missiles almost every night.
In response to a letter from US Vice President JD Vance, Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei told IRIB that the American tone has shifted completely. The letter, which was delivered via Qatari mediators on Sunday, reportedly outlines a framework for negotiations involving Iran's nuclear programme.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the US attempt at dialogue as a positive step. Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the nation's military would provide a geographically unrestricted response to any attacks by the US or Israel.