Trump Hints at Iran Action, Dodges Israeli Election Question

U.S. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that he would make a decision regarding a potential further strike on Iran "very soon." When asked if he would support any candidates in the Israeli elections, Trump responded that he had not considered the matter but "maybe I will do something." Earlier in the month, Trump had similarly evaded a direct answer when asked by Time magazine if Prime Minister Netanyahu should serve another term, instead focusing on Iran. He reiterated his concern that "Iran cannot be a nuclear power because they are crazy, and you cannot let crazy people have nuclear weapons."

Earlier on Tuesday, amid threats of American strikes on Iran following the U.S. midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran is attempting to deter the Trump administration, with sources suggesting their forces "may invade neighboring countries by land." Trump also commented that "China and Russia are not helping Iran, if so, it is at a very low level."

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei stated that Washington's response to Tehran's proposal was "unsatisfactory," according to Iran's Fars News Agency. Rezaei added that the U.S. needs to provide clarifications on key unresolved issues. Concurrently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a discussion with security chiefs, which also addressed the Iranian issue. Israeli officials indicated to Channel 13 that the meeting was prompted by Trump's remarks about potential action. The assessment is that an American attack on Tehran could lead to an Iranian response against Israel.

Amid reports that Tehran has managed to rebuild its missile and drone facilities despite extensive bombing campaigns, Channel 13 reported that a senior Israeli security official stated Trump and Netanyahu have held "urgent discussions" on the matter recently. However, security sources indicated no decision has been made, with one noting Netanyahu seemed to prefer no action before the elections. The IDF is preparing for three scenarios: independent or joint action with the U.S., and a response to missile fire from Iran. A senior officer told Channel 13 that while there are ups and downs in coordination with the U.S., the armies maintain "good and precise dialogue" and are on high alert for potential Iranian miscalculation, emphasizing that "no one has asked us for anything."

Bloomberg reported that despite months of U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran has maintained its missile and drone facilities, enabling it to replenish its arsenal, including ballistic and anti-ship missiles, with Russia reportedly supplying additional missiles. These reports contradict claims by Trump and his administration that the strikes had halted Iran's ability to threaten U.S. bases and allies. Deputy White House Spokesperson Anna Kli responded by stating that President Trump had "completely destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities" during "Operation Midnight Hammer" and subsequently destroyed Iran's conventional defense of its nuclear program, including ballistic missiles, production facilities, and its navy, during "Operation Wrath of God."