Israel urges US to strike Iran again after midterms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing the White House to launch a new series of attacks on Iran. He wants this to happen after the U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday. Two regional officials and one other person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press about the push.

President Donald Trump has been sending mixed signals. He has threatened heavy strikes while also trying to reach a deal. During a phone call over the weekend, Netanyahu asked for military action. Trump did not commit to a specific move, according to one person briefed on that conversation.

Diplomats are still working in the background. Mediators are trying to build a framework. It would have Iran stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. More talks are scheduled for this week. The officials spoke anonymously because they were discussing classified briefings.

Some U.S. allies in the region warn against new strikes. They say further attacks could destabilize the area. The Israeli government and the White House did not immediately comment on the weekend call.

Tehran says it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It also wants to resume nuclear talks with the United States. This plan works if Washington meets certain demands. Earlier, Iran said the process could take a week if seven conditions were met. Now, ships would follow a route agreed on by Iran and Oman.

Iranian officials also want the U.S. to drop sanctions on oil sales. They want a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. Esmail Baghaei, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, called the plan a good-faith approach. He said it remains the basis for negotiations through mediators.

Violence continued in other parts of the Middle East. A ship crossing the strait was hit by an unknown projectile. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said all crew members were safe. In Yemen, Houthi rebels accused Saudi Arabia of hitting a Red Sea port. The Houthi health ministry said explosives killed seven people in a market, including five children.

Saudi-backed forces said a Houthi missile hit a medical center in Lahij province. At least five people died, including three medical workers. Israel also wrapped up a large operation in Hebron. Two soldiers died in a shooting last month. The military demolished the gunmen's homes and took their weapons. Hundreds of displaced Palestinians began returning home Monday.

China is sending a special envoy to the region. The visit to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia is planned for early to mid-November. Spokesperson Mao Ning said the goal is to ease tensions. The move helps China protect its oil supply lines as the region shifts.