US Media: Netanyahu Failed to Persuade Trump to Strike Iran Before Israeli Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump refused to approve a joint strike with Israel on Iran before Israel’s elections, at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to CNN, citing U.S. and Israeli sources.

The network quoted an Israeli source as saying, “Netanyahu strongly desired and tried to persuade Trump of the necessity of launching a joint attack on Iran before the elections, but Trump refused.” The source added that one reason for the refusal was a warning from Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who informed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Hareuveni, that the strike would disrupt the Israeli elections and lead to their postponement.

The source further stated that Israel had been preparing to launch an attack on Iran in recent weeks and had pressured U.S. officials to carry out such strikes, but has now postponed these plans and is preparing for joint operations with the United States, likely after the midterm elections. It noted that Israel agreed to the postponement in part due to its need for U.S. support in missile defense.

Meanwhile, The New York Times quoted a U.S. official as saying that President Donald Trump is inclined to launch a new round of major strikes against Iran.

The newspaper cited the U.S. official as saying that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has prepared an extensive list of potential targets for bombing inside Iran, including vital facilities in the energy and economic sectors.

In response, the newspaper quoted Iranian officials as saying that Tehran may expand its targets to include U.S. diplomats and will not engage in a “conventional war” if Trump decides to resume hostilities.

Trump had previously said on Sunday that he faces two options: either reach an agreement with Iran or “end Tehran.” In an interview with Fox News, he stated, “I have two options: either end Iran, which is very easy, or reach an agreement.”