WorldLIVE REPORT
Trump, Netanyahu weigh striking Iran before elections or waiting
Axios reports the two leaders spoke by phone last week, with Netanyahu citing Israeli intelligence on Iranian moves; no decision is reported, just a calendar.
Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger on this story, from The Five O'Clock at 5:51 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Axios's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by Axios: “Inside Trump, Netanyahu's dilemma: Strike Iran before elections or wait”.
- Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:51 PM ET on The Five O'Clock, by Hank Ledger.
- Topics: Netanyahu, Iran, Trump.
- BBN covered this story before: Iran Fortifies Defenses as Trump Eyes Renewed Attacks (October 13).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentAccording to Axios, which cites two U.S. officials, an Israeli official and a fourth source, the two leaders spoke by phone last week about striking before the elections.

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentNetanyahu reportedly said he was worried about Israeli intelligence suggesting Iran was taking troubling steps.

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentThe question on the table is whether to go now or wait.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the debate is about timing.

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentTiming is everything, Hank.

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentBehind me a volunteer is deciding where to put the little stickers, and frankly, her planning looks more settled than anything in the reports.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe reports don't say any decision has been made.

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentRight, and that is the point.

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentNothing is settled, the calendar is crowded, and this is a decision with the biggest possible audience waiting on a date.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorComing up later, a hive full of questions about whose honey is whose. Skip, which date would you pick?

Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentElection Day, Hank. The line is already there.
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- Trump, Netanyahu weigh striking Iran before elections or waiting (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 · the World archive · all months








