Former British diplomat Alastair Crooke has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exerting intense pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump to initiate military action against Iran before January 3, 2027. Crooke suggests that Netanyahu contacts Trump multiple times daily to advocate for a strike, which he perceives as crucial for his political survival. This urgency is tied to the upcoming changes in the U.S. Congress, which are expected to make it more challenging for Trump to pursue military action.

Crooke’s comments were made during an interview on the Daniel Davis Deep Dive podcast, where he discussed the geopolitical implications of such a military move. He noted that the new Congress, which convenes on January 3, would likely be less amenable to military action against Iran, thus creating a narrow window for Trump to act. Crooke described the situation as a “last desperate throw of the dice” for both Trump and Netanyahu.

The pressure from Netanyahu is reportedly linked to his political challenges following the recent Israeli elections, where he emerged weakened. Crooke contends that Netanyahu sees military action as a means to stabilize his government by forming a unity coalition under the pretext of national security. He argues that Netanyahu’s frequent communications with Trump are driven by this political necessity, although Crooke did not provide evidence for these claims.

The geopolitical stakes are high, as a military strike could have significant regional and global repercussions. Crooke expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a nuclear strike on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain, a site believed to be a strategic target. He questioned the viability of using nuclear weapons, pointing out that such an action might not achieve its intended objectives due to the geological characteristics of the site.

Crooke also highlighted the potential consequences of a conventional military strike, noting that past attempts had failed to destabilize the Iranian regime or incite an uprising. He described the idea of a land invasion as “crazy,” given the complexities and risks involved.

The backdrop to this situation includes ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have been exacerbated since the U.S.-Israeli conflict began in February 2026. Previous reports indicated that Netanyahu and Mossad chief Roman Gofman had plans for a military operation against Iran before the Israeli elections, which were halted after the U.S. was inadvertently alerted.

The political landscape in Israel is also shifting, with Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the centrist Jasar party, receiving the mandate to form a new government. Eisenkot, backed by Arab-led parties, is seen as a potential counterbalance to Netanyahu’s aggressive stance. Crooke suggested that an Eisenkot-led government would likely oppose a premature military confrontation with Iran.

As the January 3 deadline approaches, the international community is watching closely to see how these dynamics will unfold. The potential for military action against Iran remains a contentious issue, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.