Donald Trump on Monday warned that the United States would launch fresh military strikes against Iran if Tehran resumes rebuilding its nuclear programme following US attacks in June.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he hosted Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said Washington would act swiftly if it detected renewed nuclear activity.
“I hear Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we have to knock them down,” he said. “We’ll knock the hell out of them.” Despite the sharp warning, Trump said he remained open to diplomacy and described a negotiated agreement as a “much smarter” option.
During the meeting, Trump strongly praised Netanyahu, linking Israel’s security to his leadership. He also claimed that Isaac Herzog had told him he intended to pardon Netanyahu in ongoing corruption cases, though no official confirmation followed.
⚡️BREAKING
Trump wants a new war with Iran:
'If Iran continues with its missile program, yes I support striking Iran. If they continue with their nuclear program, the strike should be immediate' pic.twitter.com/4EbnlLUcDi
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) December 29, 2025Trump added that he hoped Israel could eventually improve relations with Syria, even as Israel has continued military operations in Syrian territory since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad late last year.
Comments on the Russia-Ukraine War
Trump also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying Vladimir Putin told him that Ukraine had attempted to attack Putin’s residence in northern Russia. Ukraine has denied the claim, calling it baseless.
“I don’t like it. It’s not good,” Trump said when asked if the allegation could disrupt peace efforts. He said Putin shared the information during a phone call earlier in the day, which Trump described as “a very good talk.”
⭕ MOMENTS AGO: Trump — Iran must not be allowed to regain strength
• Says Tehran has been significantly weakened and warns there will be no peace in the Middle East if Iran rebuilds its power
• Calls past U.S. strike on Iraq a mistake, saying it left Iran dominant in the… pic.twitter.com/YLKRDdl2Ha
— ZIONS OF ISRAEL (@Israeli_Sniper) December 29, 2025He warned that the timing was sensitive. “This is not the right time for anything like that,” he said, adding that while combat operations differ, attacks on personal residences risk escalating tensions. When pressed about evidence, Trump said authorities would look into the matter.
Stalled peace efforts
Trump acknowledged that negotiations to end the war remain difficult, citing unresolved territorial disputes. Russia currently controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, along with large parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and sections of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
Moscow wants Ukrainian forces to withdraw from contested areas in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv has pushed for a ceasefire along existing front lines. Washington has floated proposals that include economic incentives tied to troop withdrawals, though no agreement has emerged.
Trump said talks remain complex but stressed that continued dialogue remains essential to avoid further escalation.
