WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been calling US President Donald Trump every day to press for renewed military strikes against Iran, even as Washington considers a diplomatic settlement to end the months-long conflict, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The reported lobbying comes amid growing differences over the future of the conflict, with several Gulf countries urging the American administration to avoid further military escalation and prioritise negotiations with Tehran.
Citing a person briefed on the discussions, the Financial Times reported that Netanyahu had been repeatedly urging Trump to resume military operations against Iran, while officials within and outside the White House were attempting to counter pressure for another offensive.
The report said regional leaders were also encouraging Trump to pursue diplomacy rather than launch fresh attacks, reflecting concerns that renewed hostilities could destabilise West Asia and further disrupt regional trade and energy supplies.
However, another person familiar with the situation in Israel reportedly maintained that while Netanyahu favoured renewed military action, there was no organised effort to pressure Trump into launching an immediate offensive.
The claims concerning Netanyahu's daily calls have not been independently confirmed by either the White House or the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.
The developments come as Trump has indicated that the military campaign against Iran is effectively over and that a negotiated agreement could be within reach.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the US President suggested that further major strikes were unlikely, arguing that Iran's military capabilities had already been substantially weakened.
Trump's remarks followed a closed-door meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who has been involved in efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
Qatar has emerged as an important diplomatic intermediary in the conflict, facilitating indirect discussions aimed at establishing conditions for a broader settlement.
The proposed arrangement reportedly includes provisions concerning the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the American blockade of Iranian ports and the possible resumption of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme.
Iran has sought the removal of restrictions affecting its maritime trade, the release of frozen overseas assets and guarantees concerning future military operations.
Washington, meanwhile, has continued to insist that any agreement must address Iran's nuclear activities and broader regional security concerns.
Following his meeting with the Qatari leader, Trump acknowledged that several Gulf countries preferred maintaining the existing situation rather than risking another round of fighting.
He indicated that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait were among the countries favouring restraint.
The Financial Times reported that Arab and Muslim leaders had become increasingly concerned about Netanyahu's reported efforts to persuade Trump to resume military operations.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the regional leaders reportedly encouraging Washington to pursue a diplomatic resolution.
The diplomatic pressure comes against the backdrop of continuing American military activity in Iran despite Trump's public suggestions that the conflict is approaching its conclusion.
US forces reportedly carried out strikes against targets on Iran's Qeshm Island on November 3 and November 6.
Trump subsequently acknowledged that American forces had conducted a limited operation against an Iranian air-defence installation, describing the strike as a relatively minor military action.
The President maintained that Washington retained the ability to destroy additional military targets if necessary, even as negotiations continued.
The latest developments also follow reports of a difficult telephone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu earlier this month concerning the future of the military campaign.
According to Axios, the two leaders held a direct discussion on November 1 about American negotiations with Iran and the possibility of resuming large-scale combat operations.
The report said Netanyahu wanted Washington to launch additional strikes following the November 3 US midterm elections, while Trump preferred allowing diplomatic negotiations more time to produce an agreement.
The White House and the Israeli Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the reported conversation.
The disagreement has emerged at a politically sensitive time for both leaders.
Trump's Republican Party suffered significant setbacks in the US midterm elections, with the conflict in West Asia and concerns over rising living costs featuring prominently in the political debate.
In Israel, Netanyahu has also faced political uncertainty following an election that failed to deliver a clear parliamentary majority for his Likud-led bloc.
The continuing confrontation with Iran has complicated efforts to restore regional stability, particularly because military operations and restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted international shipping and energy markets.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated military operations against Iran on February 28, targeting Iranian military installations, missile capabilities and nuclear-related infrastructure.
Iran responded with attacks against American and Israeli interests and targets across the region, triggering a prolonged confrontation that affected several Gulf countries.
Although the intensity of military operations has declined, the absence of a comprehensive settlement has left open the possibility of renewed fighting.
Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that any fresh American or Israeli offensive would provoke retaliation, while maintaining that Tehran remains willing to pursue negotiations under acceptable conditions.
For now, Washington appears to be pursuing diplomatic engagement while retaining military options, even as Netanyahu reportedly continues pressing for a tougher approach towards Iran.
The outcome of the ongoing mediation efforts could determine whether the conflict moves towards a negotiated settlement or enters another phase of military escalation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.