Trump and Netanyahu clash over timing of Iran strikes in phone call

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disagreed over the timing of potential fresh strikes on Iran during a Saturday phone call, with Netanyahu urging immediate action after the November 3 US midterms while Trump favored more diplomacy, Axios reported. The Israeli leader pressed for military strikes right after the elections, but Trump preferred giving negotiations more time, leading one Israeli source to describe the call as "tough" and a US source as "direct." Trump confirmed the conversation, saying it was "very good," while diplomatic efforts continued through Qatari mediators and a recent letter from Vice President JD Vance to Iran's national security chief. Disagreements over negotiation terms remain unresolved, including Iranian nuclear concessions versus US sanctions relief and naval blockade lifting. The call follows prior US operations against Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 and Operation Epic Fury in February 2026, with Trump noting possible military action against a suspected nuclear site could be done "in 10 minutes."