Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Possible Iran Strikes

President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday as the United States weighed possible renewed military action against Iran, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump had not decided whether to authorize further strikes and preferred a diplomatic resolution. The call, reported by people familiar with the conversation, came as Washington considered military options while diplomatic contacts with Tehran continued. The accounts of the discussion vary in detail, and no official readout or transcript was provided. One account said Netanyahu urged Trump to strike after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, while Trump wanted negotiations to continue; that characterization has not been confirmed by either leader. Rubio said negotiations had continued through direct channels and intermediaries, and declined to set a deadline or assess their progress. He said the United States remained capable of pursuing military objectives if needed, but would prefer to resolve the conflict peacefully. Any agreement, he said, would have to address U.S. concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and support for armed groups. The reported call followed...