Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held multiple discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump about launching another major joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, potentially before both countries vote, according to reports published Tuesday. Israel holds elections on October 27, and the U.S. midterms follow on November 3.

The talks were first reported by Axios and then detailed by Israeli media. They come amid growing concern over Iran’s efforts to rebuild its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities after months of U.S. and Israeli military operations.

What Axios reported

Citing two American officials, an Israeli official and another source familiar with the conversations, Axios said Netanyahu raised the possibility of renewed military action in talks with Trump last week. He reportedly pointed to Iranian nuclear activity as justification, although Israeli security officials have questioned whether recent intelligence warrants immediate action.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the discussions also covered concerns about Iran’s efforts to restore its nuclear capabilities. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office denied reports that Netanyahu was seeking to start another war before the October 27 vote.

Trump has not authorized new strikes

Despite the discussions, Trump has not committed to a new campaign. On October 8, the president publicly declared that the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, even as American military planners continued preparing for possible escalation.

According to Axios, the Pentagon previously instructed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to finalize preparations for renewed major combat operations. Israeli military officials have also kept a heightened state of readiness and are coordinating with their American counterparts.

Israeli military warns of election disruption

Timing has become a significant concern for both governments. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly warned that renewed fighting could draw Iranian ballistic missile retaliation against Israel, potentially forcing authorities to postpone the elections.

Channel 12 also reported that Israeli security officials have not identified a significant change in Iran’s nuclear threat assessment that would justify a major joint operation in the next two to three weeks. Even so, Iran has reportedly tested ballistic missiles at several locations as it works to rebuild capabilities damaged in the conflict.

A separate Jerusalem Post report on October 10 suggested Washington had earlier encouraged Israel to strike Iran unilaterally rather than join a joint operation. American and Israeli officials denied that account.

CNN: “Mother of All Bombs” among options

CNN reported that the U.S. military has prepared new strike plans for Iran, including the possible use of the GBU-43/B MOAB, the largest non-nuclear bomb in the American arsenal. The plans reportedly cover Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, should Trump order another round of attacks. The weapon has been used in combat only once, in Afghanistan in 2017.

A nuclear standoff that remains unresolved

The renewed discussions underscore the unresolved confrontation over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional military reach. Washington and Jerusalem fear Tehran could use a prolonged pause to restore strategic infrastructure and rebuild weapons programs damaged by earlier strikes.

The United States has kept up military and economic pressure while pursuing diplomacy, but substantial differences remain between Washington and Tehran. Whether Trump authorizes strikes, delays action or stays on the diplomatic track could shape the next phase of the confrontation between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance.