Mediators Fear Mossad Chief's Visit May Push US Toward Iran Attack

Mediators between the United States and Iran are concerned that the visit of Mossad Chief Roman Gofman to Washington could push the US towards an attack on Iran. However, other reports suggest that Saudi and Turkish pressure on President Donald Trump to avoid an attack may be succeeding. According to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, Trump recently told his advisors he is considering refraining from further attacks on Iran, provided Tehran or the Houthis do not launch new military actions. These sources indicated that during a meeting two weeks ago, Trump informed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of his intention to launch an attack after the US midterm elections. Bin Salman urged Trump to wait, arguing that economic sanctions on Iran were proving effective. US intelligence also assesses that sanctions and the naval blockade are damaging Iran's economy, and further attacks would not significantly alter its negotiating stance. Meanwhile, an American official noted that Israel continues to urge the administration to pursue further military action. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran's leaders are extreme Shia clerics making decisions based on faith, not the country's economic situation. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed on Saturday to have attacked a US early warning radar in Bahrain, marking the first such attack on US targets in the Middle East since September. This was reportedly a retaliation for an attack the previous day near the city of Sirik, close to the Strait of Hormuz. In a radio interview, President Trump stated he would not hesitate to act if necessary, noting Iran's collapsing regime, lack of funds, inflation, and loss of control over the Strait of Hormuz. News 13 reported that the IDF's position, presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Yisrael" Chairman Gadi Eisenkot, is that Israel should join an attack if Trump decides to launch one, but there is no urgency. The stance of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is that if Israel must attack Iran, it would be before the regime's collapse. Senior IDF officials advised Netanyahu that Israeli stability is necessary to formulate policy regarding Iran. Trump also tweeted that the time for a deal with Iran has passed, asserting that the US has its money and controls its strait.