US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greet each other at the Knesset, West Jerusalem, Israel, Oct, 13,2025.PHOTO: REUTERS
US President Donald Trump is prioritising 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 favoured 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 characterised 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.
Read: Iran warns US of prolonged war after Trump signals more strikes
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 November 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.
Vessel reportedly struck by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz: UK maritime agency
A vessel was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre.
In a warning notice, the agency said the master of a merchant vessel had relayed a Mayday distress call received over VHF Channel 16, reporting that another vessel had been hit.
The notice listed the incident time as 2009PKT on November 1.
UKMTO advised vessels to “transit with caution and report any suspicious activity” while authorities investigate.
The agency did not identify the vessel reportedly struck or provide details on casualties, damage or the source of the projectile.
