Trump Speaks With Netanyahu Amid US Review of Possible Iran Strikes

November 1, 2026

Washington, DC: US ​​President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. This conversation comes as Washington is considering the possibility of renewed military action against Iran. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported this.

According to reports, a key meeting took place at the White House earlier this week, in which President Trump discussed potential options for resuming large-scale military operations with senior military officials.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that diplomatic talks with Iran have never stopped and that ongoing engagement continues at various levels. However, he declined to comment on the progress of the talks or a timeline. He also clarified that President Trump has not yet made any final decisions regarding further military action.

Speaking to reporters after the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Georgia, Rubio said the US is open to a diplomatic solution, provided it addresses its core security concerns. He accused Iran of posing a maritime threat to commercial ships and supporting armed groups operating in the Middle East.

Rubio said, “There are multiple channels of dialogue, and the dialogue has never really stopped. In some cases, directly, and in other cases, through mediators.”

He said that the decision on how much time will be devoted to diplomacy and when military action will be decided rests solely with the president. Rubio also did not comment on whether a potential agreement is near.

The US Secretary of State stated that any agreement must ensure US national security. He cited Iran’s nuclear program and its alleged support for various armed groups in the region as major concerns.

Regarding the possibility of fresh military strikes, Rubio declined to provide details of any specific plans. He said that President Trump prioritizes a peaceful solution, but the US remains confident in its military capabilities.

He said, “If we choose, we can achieve our military objectives. But the president hasn’t made any decisions yet.”

Rubio accused Iran of targeting commercial ships at sea, saying this could impact supplies of oil, natural gas, and other goods. He explained that the US Navy has to intercept incoming drones and anti-ship missiles almost every night. However, despite security challenges, petroleum transportation remains close to pre-war levels.

He warned that any major disruption to maritime trade could impact global food security. Disruptions in the supply of fuel, agricultural products, and food could cause serious problems for many countries around the world.

Regarding the regional situation, Rubio accused Iran of supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi rebels, and various militia groups operating in Iraq. He said that these activities, along with Iran’s nuclear ambitions, pose a challenge to peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, stated that a letter from US Vice President J.D. Vance showed a complete change in the US’s stance. According to Al Jazeera, this is Iran’s first public response to the US effort to initiate talks.

“Their stance has completely changed, which is a good sign and shows that our people have secured their victory,” Rezaei told state broadcaster IRIB.

According to the report, J.D. Vance’s letter was delivered to the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council through Qatari mediators. According to *The New York Times*, the proposal suggests the possibility of direct talks led by Vance, in which Iran’s nuclear program could be a part of the discussion from the outset.

The Wall Street Journal*, citing a source, reported that the letter presented a framework for negotiations rather than the terms of a specific peace agreement. According to the report, the letter was sent at the direction of President Trump.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said on Saturday that Tehran has studied the US letter and considers the effort to restart talks a positive step. He added that an ally has gone to Doha for discussions with mediators.

According to sources, talks could take place within a week, with Doha or Istanbul being considered as possible locations.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned the US and Israel that Iran’s military would respond to any mistake, and this response would not be limited to geographical boundaries.

He said, “If the enemy once again launches military or terrorist attacks, the time and circumstances of their end will be determined by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian people.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said at the White House on Friday that Iran is eager for talks.

Trump said, “Talks are ongoing, they want to talk and they’re constantly talking about talks. We have time.”

He claimed that Iran is currently facing many difficulties and predicted that the current conflict will end very soon.