In brief

• Netanyahu is reportedly calling Trump daily to push for resumed military action against Iran.
• The United States and Iran signed a memorandum in mid-June, but strikes resumed three weeks later.
• Regional leaders reportedly want Washington to prioritize negotiations over escalation.

Background of the conflict

In mid-June, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum intended to launch a peace process (FT: Нетаньяху каждый день звонит Трампу и убеждает его нанести новые удары по Ирану – nur.kz) (СМИ: Нетаньяху каждый день призывает Трампа возобновить конфликт с Ираном – 1rostov.tv). Three weeks later, the two sides were trading strikes again. The fighting has nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and fuel prices have risen worldwide as a result.

Iran's proposal and Washington's response

In late September, Tehran offered a seven-day plan to reopen the strait in exchange for lifting the naval blockade and restrictions on Iranian exports. Trump rejected it. On November 1, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the expected timeline for the plan had been cut to two days, with the outcome now depending on the other side.

Divisions in Washington and the region

Netanyahu has been calling Trump on a daily basis to press for a renewed campaign against Iran, the Financial Times reported. The report says the Israeli leader's persistence has caused concern in several Arab capitals. An unnamed diplomat told the Financial Times that people inside and outside the White House who do not want another war are working to counter the pressure. Regional leaders, the diplomat said, have asked Trump not to escalate and to give priority to talks.