![Popular Small-Size Actress Aunty Ajara Dies After Liver Illness [VIDEO]](https://thepunchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20241109_125042-75x75.jpg)
US president signals readiness for renewed strikes as tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Gaza ceasefire
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, saying Washington is prepared to launch fresh military strikes if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear programme. The warning came during high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The meeting, held on Monday in Palm Beach, focused on Iran, the fragile Gaza ceasefire, and broader regional security concerns. It comes just months after US airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.
Trump: “If They Rebuild, We’ll Knock Them Down”
Speaking to reporters after the talks, Trump suggested that new intelligence indicated Iran may be attempting to resume nuclear activities away from previously bombed sites, despite earlier US claims that its facilities had been destroyed.
“Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump said. “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.”
Trump had earlier declared Iran’s nuclear capabilities “completely and fully obliterated” following US strikes in June. However, he now signalled that further action would be taken if rebuilding efforts are confirmed.
At a joint appearance with Netanyahu, the president doubled down on his warning.
“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful — maybe more powerful than the last time,” he said.
Iran has consistently denied resuming uranium enrichment and maintains it remains open to negotiations with Western powers. The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to Trump’s latest remarks.
Israeli Concerns Over Missiles
Israeli officials, quoted in local media, have expressed growing concern that Iran may also be rebuilding its stockpile of long-range missiles capable of striking Israel. Such developments have further heightened tensions between the longtime adversaries.
Gaza Ceasefire Under Pressure
Trump’s warning comes as his administration attempts to sustain momentum on a fragile US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which risks stalling ahead of its complex second phase.
Standing alongside Netanyahu, Trump said he wanted progress but emphasised a major condition.
“But there has to be a disarming of Hamas,” he said.
The ceasefire 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. Of the 251 hostages taken during the attack, all but one have since been released, alive or dead.
However, negotiations on the second phase have slowed, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations. Disagreements have also emerged among the United States, Israel and Arab mediators over how to proceed.
Hostage Issue Complicates Talks
Netanyahu has indicated caution about moving forward while the remains of hostage Ran Gvili are still in Gaza.
Referring to the Gvili family, Trump said:
“They’re waiting for their son to come home.”
The proposed second phase of the ceasefire would involve rebuilding a demilitarised Gaza under international supervision, disarming Hamas, and deploying a multinational security force — proposals that remain highly contentious.
A Western diplomat described a “huge gulf” between US and Israeli expectations and those of regional and European partners. While Washington and Tel Aviv want the force to play a commanding security role, potential troop-contributing countries fear it could be perceived as an “occupation force.”
Praise, Awards and Pardon Call
During the visit, Trump and Netanyahu exchanged warm praise, underscoring their long-standing relationship. Netanyahu announced that Israel’s education ministry would award Trump the prestigious Israel Prize — a move that breaks with 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 asked.
Herzog’s office later clarified that no direct conversation had taken place regarding the request and that any decision would follow established legal procedures.
