Netanyahu calls Trump daily, pressing for new strikes on Iran
A person familiar with the talks says Netanyahu presses for renewed attacks as Gulf capitals seek more time for diplomacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been calling U.S. President Donald Trump every day to press for renewed military strikes on Iran, a person familiar with the conversations said. The contact comes even as diplomatic channels and regional partners push for de-escalation.
Diplomatic pushback from Gulf capitals
According to the person familiar with the talks, parts of the White House and outside advisers are resisting plans for a new campaign, seeking to blunt Netanyahu's efforts to influence U.S. policy.
On Monday, Trump said Gulf allies opposed a fresh military campaign against Tehran. He wrote on Truth Social after a conversation with Qatar's prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: "Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and the others prefer the status quo."
The same person said Trump has spoken in recent days with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi's leader Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — and that each urged more time for diplomatic efforts.
Trump added there was "positive energy" for ending the war that has lasted nine months, and he suggested new U.S. strikes on Iran appeared "pretty unlikely."
The daily calls from Netanyahu, the White House resistance and the public remarks from Trump underscore the competing pressures on Washington as it balances relations with Israel, Gulf partners and the broader aim of limiting wider regional conflict.
Photo: press material from the event
