US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington was reported to be weighing whether to restart military operations against Iran, adding to uncertainty over the next phase of the standoff with Tehran.
Key takeaways
- Trump and Netanyahu held their call on Sunday morning.
- US officials were said to be examining options for fresh strikes on Iran.
- Diplomatic engagement remains under consideration alongside military planning.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Trump prefers a negotiated outcome.
- Rubio also stressed that the United States has the military capacity to meet its aims if talks do not succeed.
Military and diplomatic options remain open
The discussion between the US and Israeli leaders took place while the United States was reportedly considering plans for renewed action against Tehran. The call is likely to sharpen attention on coordination between Washington and Israel as the administration assesses its response to Iran.
US policy remains unsettled, with negotiations reportedly still being evaluated as an alternative or complement to military measures. The uncertainty has left open the question of whether Washington will move toward another round of strikes or place greater emphasis on diplomacy.
Rubio outlines preference for negotiations
Rubio had previously said that Trump favours resolving the dispute with Iran through diplomatic means. At the same time, he said US forces have the capabilities needed to accomplish Washington’s objectives should negotiations fail.
The Trump-Netanyahu conversation is therefore expected to intensify scrutiny of the joint US-Israel approach toward Iran, particularly over the balance between pursuing talks and preparing for possible renewed military action.
