United States President Donald Trump has warned Iran that Washington could launch further military strikes if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear programme, issuing the threat during high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.
Trump made the remarks on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, where he hosted Netanyahu for wide ranging discussions focused on Iran, the Gaza ceasefire, and regional security, just months after US strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.
Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that intelligence reports indicated Iran might be attempting to resume nuclear related activities outside previously bombed sites, despite earlier US claims that the facilities had been destroyed.
“Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters gathered at his Mar-a-Lago estate. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”
The president had previously said Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “completely and fully obliterated” following US strikes in June, but raised the possibility of renewed action if Tehran proceeds with rebuilding efforts.
At a joint appearance with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump reiterated his warning, signalling that the United States was prepared to respond forcefully if Iran’s actions were confirmed.
“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” Trump said.
Iran has consistently denied resuming uranium enrichment at any site, insisting it remains open to negotiations with Western powers over its nuclear programme. The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s latest warning.
Israeli officials, meanwhile, have been quoted in local media expressing concern that Iran may also be rebuilding its supply of long range missiles capable of striking Israel, a development that has heightened tensions between the longtime adversaries.
Trump’s warning comes as his administration seeks to maintain momentum on a fragile US brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which risks stalling before entering its complex second phase.
Standing beside Netanyahu, Trump said he wanted progress on the next stage of the agreement but stressed a key condition.
“But there has to be a disarming of Hamas,” Trump added.
The ceasefire, which Trump has championed, has largely held since its first phase began in October, days after the two year anniversary of the Hamas led attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people. All but one of the 251 hostages taken during the attack have since been released, alive or dead.
However, progress toward the second phase has slowed, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations and disagreements emerging among the US, Israel and Arab mediators over the way forward.
Netanyahu, who also met separately with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during his visit, has indicated caution about advancing to the next phase while the remains of hostage Ran Gvili remain in Gaza.
Referring to the Gvili family, Trump said:
“They’re waiting for their son to come home.”
The second phase of the ceasefire, if implemented, would involve rebuilding a demilitarised Gaza under international supervision, disarming Hamas, and establishing a multinational security force proposals that remain highly contentious.
Disagreements persist over the mandate of the proposed International Stabilization Force, with a Western diplomat describing a “huge gulf” between US, Israeli expectations and those of regional and European partners.
While the US and Israel want the force to play a commanding security role, including disarming militant groups, countries being approached to contribute troops fear such a mandate could turn it into an “occupation force.”
During the visit, Trump and Netanyahu also exchanged praise, highlighting their long standing relationship. Netanyahu announced that Israel’s education ministry would award Trump the Israel Prize, breaking convention.
“President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people,” Netanyahu said. “So we decided to break a convention too, or create a new one.”
Trump also renewed his call for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon amid his ongoing corruption trial.
“He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?” Trump said.
Herzog’s office later clarified that no direct conversation had taken place since the request was submitted, noting that any decision would follow established legal procedures.
Ademide Adebayo
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