Trump warns new attack on Iran if it attempts to rearm in talks with Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday, outlining priorities for the next phase of the Gaza peace process and issuing a stern warning to Iran regarding its military buildup.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Trump stated that he aims to initiate the second phase of the Gaza peace plan swiftly, but emphasized that the disarmament of Hamas is a central condition. "Very quickly, as quickly as we can, but there has to be a disarmament," he said. When asked about the timeline for reconstructing Gaza, Trump indicated it would "begin pretty soon."

The proposed second phase of the plan includes a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the commencement of reconstruction efforts and the formation of a transitional governing body for the territory.

The meeting took place against a backdrop of ongoing humanitarian concerns. According to Gaza health authorities, the Palestinian death toll has reached 71,266, with 171,219 injured since October 2023. They reported that 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,142 wounded since the latest ceasefire took effect on October 10.

Firm warning to Iran

During the same meeting, Trump also delivered a strong caution to Iran, stating that the U.S. would take military action if Tehran attempts to rearm. "Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we're going to have to knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them," Trump said. He added that pursuing a "deal" would be a "much smarter" course of action for Iran.

The warning comes after recent reports, including from NBC News, suggested that Netanyahu would seek to convince Trump that "Iran's expansion of its ballistic missile program poses a threat that could necessitate swift action." Iran has consistently maintained that its missile program is defensive and non-negotiable. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said last week the program is essential for defending the country's sovereignty.

Tensions in the region escalated significantly in June. Israel launched surprise air strikes on multiple sites in Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military facilities and resulting in casualties among commanders, scientists and civilians. This was followed by U.S. air strikes on June 22 against three Iranian nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.

Monday's talks between Trump and Netanyahu highlighted the interconnected U.S. approach to regional security, linking progress on Gaza directly to neutralizing threats from Iran, which is a key supporter of Hamas.

(With input from Xinhua)