Trump and Netanyahu hold talks as US considers Iran military strikes
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Trump has not yet decided on resuming military action against Tehran.
US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. According to reports from The Times of India and The Wall Street Journal, the call occurred as Washington evaluates the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran.
The discussion followed a White House meeting earlier in the week where Trump consulted senior military commanders regarding strategic options for combat operations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while Washington is open to a diplomatic settlement, President Trump has not made a final decision on military action.
Speaking after the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Georgia, Rubio said that diplomatic conversations with Iran have continued through direct channels and intermediaries. He noted that any potential agreement must address Iran's nuclear programme and its support for regional armed groups.
Rubio also accused Tehran of threatening maritime trade by targeting commercial vessels carrying oil, gas, and cargo. He said US naval forces intercept drones and anti-ship missiles almost every night, warning that such disruptions could impact global food security.
In response to diplomatic overtures, Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei told state broadcaster IRIB that a letter from US Vice President JD Vance showed a significant shift in tone. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the US attempt to start a dialogue as a positive step.