Amid Escalation: President Herzog and King of Bahrain 'Discussed Developments in the Region'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain held their first phone call since October 7, discussing regional developments. The call comes amid reports that the US and Iran have responded to a Pakistani-Qatari proposal to resume talks, and against the backdrop of the Trump administration's decision not to significantly expand the military campaign against Iran.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain held their first phone call since October 7, during which they discussed regional developments. The call takes place against the backdrop of reports that the United States and Iran have submitted their responses to a Pakistani-Qatari proposal to resume talks. Earlier, the New York Times reported that senior Trump administration officials have decided for now not to significantly expand the military campaign against Iran, following a discussion held by President Trump with his advisors on Friday. Among the considerations: concern over dwindling stocks of Patriot interceptors and other air defense assets in the Middle East. Security establishment sources said an aggressive planned strike was postponed due to the search for a quality operational opportunity and fear of miscalculation leading to unplanned escalation against Israel, US bases, and Gulf states.