Hegseth meets Netanyahu in Israel as US, Iran trade conditions on ending war

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel, meeting Benjamin Netanyahu, as Washington and Tehran exchanged positions on concluding their war.

• Hegseth met Netanyahu at Ovda air base in the Negev to discuss the Iranian file and regional threats.
• Hegseth said the war will not end like previous US conflicts and that Trump holds all the cards, demanding Iran make a decision.
• Rubio said a peace deal with Iran is extremely difficult, with economic pressure to continue until Tehran stops targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington accepts Tehran's conditions, with indirect talks continuing via Pakistan and Qatar.
• The White House said the US will not attack Iran before the congressional midterm elections, according to the Financial Times.
• Trump said the war with Iran will end very quickly, arguing paying a small price to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran is worthwhile.
• Iranian media reported Tehran told Pakistan's army chief that no talks will occur with Washington until its demands are met.
• Trump reportedly blocked Netanyahu's plan to resume large-scale strikes against Iran, fearing a new regional conflict before the US November 3 midterm elections.
• Israel had prepared a multi-day operation for the October 10 weekend targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and regime sites.
• Israeli sources said a joint US-Israel resumption of strikes remains a possible scenario as Netanyahu pushes for a new attack while Trump stays cautious on timing.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Financial Times there is no reason to expect progress in talks now, as Washington has not shown a willingness to reach an understanding.