Mossad Chief Meets US Officials Amid Iran Tensions

Mossad Chief Roman Gofman met with senior Trump administration officials in Washington on Friday to discuss renewing hostilities against Iran, according to Axios, citing three sources familiar with the matter. Gofman also reportedly met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and was expected to travel to Miami to meet with Envoy Steve Witkoff. The visit comes amid pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu to restart military action against Iran. The Mossad, CIA, and White House have not commented. Axios reported that President Trump has so far rejected this pressure. An American official stated that Gofman and Ratcliffe discussed Iran on November 5, with Trump siding with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, who prefer to continue naval blockades and economic pressure, and explore a potential agreement. Axios also reported that the Israeli opposition fears Netanyahu might attempt to attack Iran or provoke an Iranian attack on Israel to disrupt Gadi Eisenkot's efforts to form a government. Channel 12 News reported that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir supports action against the Iranian threat but believes the timing must be right. The IDF emphasized high readiness for such a scenario but stated there is no immediate threat requiring an attack, warning of a prolonged war of attrition. A security source told Channel 12 that the possibility of renewed hostilities has receded compared to recent weeks, explaining that the military's role is to prepare for war, and what happens behind the scenes does not always indicate future decisions. Trump's own messaging has been inconsistent. Earlier in the week, he stated on Truth Social that renewed attacks were "unlikely" and that Gulf states preferred continued blockades. On Thursday, he changed his stance, writing "We don't need a deal with Iran," and in a radio interview, suggested he might order an attack "right now. Without hesitation." Channel 12 reported that CENTCOM recently updated IDF representatives in the US to prepare for the possibility of renewed war soon, with similar messages conveyed to Gulf states, according to an American source. The US is reportedly reinforcing its presence with two aircraft carriers already in the region, a third expected next week, and approximately 200 refueling aircraft in the Middle East and Europe. CENTCOM told Al Jazeera that the report was "pure speculation" and no decision to attack had been made. Preparations are also ongoing in Israel. Channel 12 revealed that the Israeli cabinet had instructed the IDF to increase readiness for a potential attack on Iran but has not convened since October 5. The cabinet is expected to meet on Sunday. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Channel 12 that an attack on Iran is still on the table, but Trump "would be happy to see a diplomatic solution." Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government from President Herzog, held a two-hour security briefing on Friday. The day before, Eisenkot had written to Netanyahu urging him to avoid using security forces without a "direct and immediate threat" that cannot be postponed. A source close to Eisenkot told Axios that he believes the current situation does not necessitate immediate military action in Iran.