AI Brief
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed a possible renewed military campaign against Iran with US President Donald Trump last week, according to media reports.
- Netanyahu expressed concern over Israeli intelligence suggesting Iran is rebuilding its nuclear capacity, prompting discussions on potential military action.
- Both the Israel Defense Forces and US Central Command are reportedly on alert, with preparations underway in case military strikes are ordered.
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone last week to discuss the possibility of a renewed military campaign against Iran before the upcoming Israeli legislative elections in October and the U.S. midterm elections in November, according to a media report on Tuesday.
Netanyahu said during the call that he was concerned about Israeli intelligence indicating Iran was taking troubling steps to rebuild its nuclear capacity, according to a report by news website Axios, citing an Israeli official.
One U.S. official told Axios that Trump told Netanyahu to "go ahead and get ready," but noted there was no firm commitment to restarting military operations.
Sources said both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) are on alert, and are finalizing preparations in case Trump decides to order strikes.
The report, citing an Israeli official, said Netanyahu said during a meeting with security agency heads in Israel that the proposal was initially raised by Trump, rather than initiated by Israel.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Netanyahu had maintained regular contact with Trump but declined to comment on the content of their conversation.
The White House has also declined to comment.
