Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly lobbying the US President to resume military operations against Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been calling US President Donald Trump every day to press for renewed military action against Iran, according to reports by the Financial Times, AP and Deccan Chronicle.
A person briefed on the discussions told the Financial Times that those within and outside the White House who wish to avoid war have been attempting to counter Netanyahu's efforts.
The lobbying comes as regional leaders urge Washington to prioritise diplomacy. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have reportedly spoken to Trump to seek restraint.
Trump recently indicated that fresh strikes are unlikely, stating that Iran is militarily "effectively over". Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, the US President confirmed that Washington has carried out minor strikes, such as hitting an anti-aircraft device, but said the US is maintaining the status quo.
The push for war follows the US midterm elections, where the Republican Party suffered losses, with the Iran conflict cited as a key issue. In Israel, Netanyahu's Likud party also faced a stalemate after failing to secure a majority.
Iran has warned it is prepared to respond to new attacks, threatening to target regional data centres and undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz.
