Netanyahu urges Trump to strike Iran after US midterms, officials say

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging US President Donald Trump to launch another wave of strikes on Iran after Tuesday's midterm elections, according to two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter. A return to full-scale war could help Netanyahu form an emergency government after he lost his parliamentary majority in last week's elections. Trump has not committed to military action, and diplomatic efforts are progressing, with Qatari mediators holding two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week. The mediators are advancing a framework for Iran to cease attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports, with more talks planned this week. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump prefers a diplomatic solution but has "incredible confidence" in military action if needed. Middle East allies warn further strikes could destabilize the region, and Iran says it is prepared for war or diplomacy.