Netanyahu pushes for 100-plus strike campaign on Iran after midterms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing President Donald Trump to authorize a new wave of airstrikes against Iran following Tuesday's midterm elections in the United States. Two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter said the Israeli leader is working with senior U.S. administration figures to secure approval for a quick but extensive air campaign.

The push for military action coincides with Netanyahu's effort to form an emergency government. He and his far-right allies lost their parliamentary majority in last week's elections. A return to full-scale war with Iran could help consolidate his coalition, according to the officials.

Trump has not yet made a final decision. He spoke with Netanyahu over the weekend and described the call as "very good," though he did not commit to specific military measures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated on Saturday that the administration prefers a diplomatic solution, stating that Trump has "incredible confidence" in military action if it becomes necessary.

Diplomatic channels remain active despite the pressure for strikes. Qatari mediators held two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week. They are working to advance a framework in which Iran ceases attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. Officials said additional talks are scheduled for this week.

Other U.S. allies in the Middle East are warning against a new escalation. A third regional official said more strikes could destabilize the area, potentially prompting Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen to increase attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. Militias in Iraq could also become involved, the official noted.

Iranian leadership is preparing for both war and negotiation. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader, met with military chiefs and instructed that any response to threats from the U.S. or Israel should be immediate and without "geographic limits." He urged an expansion of the list of potential targets. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the opening strikes on Feb. 28 killed his father.

Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei told state television that the tone from the U.S. has changed, calling it a "very good sign." He acknowledged receiving a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance last week but said Iran had not responded. Iranian officials publicly state they are prepared for war while continuing diplomatic efforts.

The Gulf region faces continued strain. October recorded the most attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz since March. At the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates presidential adviser Anwar Gargash warned that U.S. and Iranian positions are far apart. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the next escalation would be more dangerous and destructive.

China plans to send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the goal is to prevent the Gulf from becoming an arena for great-power rivalry. President Xi Jinping told Oman's sultan that the region should return to dialogue.

The Israeli government did not immediately comment on the latest developments. The White House did not directly respond to questions about the weekend discussion between the two leaders regarding potential new strikes.