Netanyahu urges new Iran strikes after midterms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging the Trump administration to launch a new wave of strikes on Iran following the U.S. midterm elections. Two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that Netanyahu made this request during a phone call with President Donald Trump over the weekend. Trump did not commit to taking military action, according to a person briefed on the discussion.

The push for strikes comes as diplomatic efforts continue to advance. The officials said mediators are working to establish a framework for Iran to stop attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. More talks are scheduled for this week. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified briefings from American and Israeli officials.

Tehran stated on Monday that it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear negotiations with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the plan remains the basis for talks. He noted that this approach demonstrates Iran's good-faith intent. Iran previously outlined a one-week timeline for implementation if the U.S. met seven conditions, including lifting the port blockade and agreeing to a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.

Other U.S. allies in the Middle East are warning against additional strikes, citing concerns about regional destabilization, according to a third regional official. The Israeli government did not immediately comment, and the White House did not directly respond to questions about the weekend call. Trump has alternately threatened major strikes and pushed for a deal with Iran in recent weeks.

Tensions remain high across the region. A vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile that left a hole in the hull, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said Monday. All crew members were safe. Iran claims attacks on vessels taking unauthorized routes, while the U.S. military denies claims of naval mines, stating that internationally recognized routes have been cleared.

In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels accused Saudi Arabia of striking a port on the Red Sea coast, setting ships on fire. The Houthi-run health ministry said explosives hit a market in southwestern Yemen, killing seven people, including five children, and wounding eight others. Saudi authorities did not immediately comment, and the Associated Press could not independently verify the claims. Separately, the Saudi-backed Yemeni military said a Houthi missile struck a medical center in Lahij province, killing at least five people, including three medical personnel.

The Israeli military said it ended a sweeping operation in Hebron, West Bank, that began last month after two soldiers were killed in a shooting. The operation displaced hundreds of Palestinians, who began returning home Monday as Israeli forces withdrew. The military demolished the residences of the two gunmen and confiscated weapons and vehicles. Residents in the Deir Bahha neighborhood reported damage to their homes from military raids.

China announced Monday that it will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the envoy will focus on easing tensions and promoting regional stability. China relies on the region for a large share of its oil imports.