As Iran conflict enters 6th month, Saudi and Israeli leaders try to shape Trump's decisions

Key Points:

• The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, initially expected by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to last four to six weeks, has now extended into its sixth month without a decisive military or diplomatic outcome.
• Netanyahu proposed three strategies to Trump: enforcing a nuclear material removal deal, imposing a blockade with economic pressure, and targeted military strikes on supply routes; however, Israel has remained largely on the sidelines since U.S. combat resumed.
• Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman warned that Iran seeks leverage through proxy forces in Yemen and Iraq, with Saudi Arabia joining U.S. strikes against Iranian-backed militias while aiming to avoid further regional escalation.
• Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with Iran rejecting proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and no clear moderate negotiating partner identified; Netanyahu continues to advocate for regime change, contrasting with Trump’s preference for negotiation.
• The Pentagon has requested $67 billion in emergency war funding, as the Strait of Hormuz remains tense and Iran retains control over enriched nuclear material despite ongoing U.S. and Israeli intelligence monitoring.