Trump faces pressure to strike Iran after midterms as Netanyahu pushes for action
US President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure to resume military operations against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pushing for fresh strikes as Qatar-mediated diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations continue. Netanyahu, weakened after his coalition won only 53 of 120 Knesset seats, reportedly seeks a strike to unify Israeli factions and retain power. Trump, preferring diplomacy, has nonetheless threatened to target Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified underground nuclear-linked site, saying "we can do that in 10 minutes." The facility, buried at least 100 metres deep near Natanz, may resist conventional bunker-busters, prompting speculation about nuclear options, though no evidence supports this. Talks continue, with Iran proposing Strait of Hormuz reopening within two days if US conditions are met.