Trump Warns of Further Strikes on Iran if Nuclear Rebuilding Continues

Latest Developments

Trump Promises ‘Hell’ if Hamas Doesn’t Disarm: President Donald Trump warned Hamas would be given a “very short period of time to disarm” as he prepares to launch the second phase of his peace plan for Gaza. “If they don’t disarm as they agreed to do … then there’ll be hell to pay for them,” Trump declared in a joint appearance with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida vowed that the Iran-backed terrorist group would not disarm.
Israel ‘Has Lived Up To’ Ceasefire Commitments: Trump also praised Israel for “having lived up to the plan” so far. “They’re strong, they’re solid,” he stated. Netanyahu also met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both “emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, in line with the vision of President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan,” according to a State Department readout. The pair also discussed “regional security, economic cooperation, and the fight against antisemitism.”
‘Knock the Hell Out of Them’: Trump and Netanyahu concurred that Israel and the United States may need to respond forcefully if Iran continues to rebuild its nuclear weapons program following the extensive Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities in June. “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again. And if they are, we have to knock them down,” Trump said. “We’ll knock the hell out of them, but hopefully that’s not happening. I heard Iran wants to make a deal.”

FDD Expert Response

“With the kinetic conflict with Gaza mostly over, Netanyahu must work with Trump to deliver diplomatic outcomes aligned with the interests of both Washington and Jerusalem. In light of Israel’s military victories across the region, the leaders will be looking to align on a policy that will deliver sustained calm in Gaza, continued pressure on the Lebanese state to disarm Hezbollah, and a united front against the Iranian threat.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“Trump’s affirmation of his support for Israeli actions against the Iranian nuclear program demonstrates the shared understanding between Israel and the United States on regional security threats. Continued alignment will be paramount as the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on security is set to expire by 2028, and discussions are needed for a new framework that ensures Israel’s ability to purchase or produce the weapons it requires to defend itself.” — Justin Leopold-Cohen, CMPP Senior Research Analyst

“Hamas is down but not out, and both Trump and Netanyahu know this. As Trump said, the ceasefire will only progress if the Iran-backed terrorists in Gaza fully disarm, something that looks increasingly unlikely.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor