Washington, January 16, 2026: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay any American military strike on Iran, according to a New York Times report citing U.S. officials. The intervention underscores growing regional concern about the potential for wider conflict across the Middle East.
Netanyahu spoke with President Trump on Wednesday, the same day Trump publicly acknowledged receiving information suggesting Iran had eased its internal crackdown and halted executions — remarks widely interpreted in Washington as a signal of hesitation about imminent military action.
The call from the Israeli leader reflects unease within key U.S. alliances. Several Arab states — including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Egypt — have also urged the Trump administration to avoid a strike on Iran, warning that such a move could destabilise the region, disrupt energy flows and prompt retaliation beyond U.S. targets. These diplomatic efforts are seen as part of a coordinated push to avert escalation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump and Netanyahu spoke but provided few details on the discussion. Despite the current pause, U.S. officials have indicated that military options remain under consideration and that the situation is being closely monitored.
Analysts suggest that the alignment of Israeli caution with Gulf Arab appeals for restraint — despite differing views on Iran — highlights widespread regional anxiety over the fallout of military confrontation and the preference among many leaders for diplomacy over conflict.
