Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to launch fresh military strikes if the Islamic Republic attempts to rebuild its nuclear weapons program. Trump voiced his concerns during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday, December 30, 2025.
Trump's Stern Warning to Tehran
Donald Trump stated clearly that the United States would act decisively if Iran moves to reconstitute its nuclear capabilities. "Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are we are going to have to knock them down," Trump declared. He added, "We’ll knock the hell out of them, but hopefully that’s not happening."
The former president's comments follow coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on key Iranian nuclear facilities in June of this year. Trump had previously claimed those attacks "totally obliterated" a major underground site, though other reports questioned the full extent of the damage.
Unwavering Support for Israel's Security
During the meeting, Trump also pledged firm support for Israel, agreeing to back any potential Israeli strikes if Iran continues to advance its ballistic missile program. Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly labelled Iran's missile development and nuclear ambitions as an "existential" threat to the Jewish state.
When asked about supporting Israeli action against Iran's missiles, Trump responded, "If they will continue with the missiles, yes." This stance aligns with recent warnings from Mossad chief David Barnea, who earlier in December accused Iran of still seeking to develop nuclear weapons to use against Israel.
Diplomatic Window Remains Ajar
Despite the bellicose rhetoric, Trump suggested a diplomatic path remains open. He indicated that Iran might be interested in negotiating a new deal to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions.
"I heard Iran wants to make a deal, if they want to make a deal that’s much smarter," Trump said. He reminded everyone that Iran had the chance to make a deal before the June strikes, implying they now regret that missed opportunity. Talks on a new nuclear accord had begun but were derailed by the military action earlier this year.
Iran's Domestic Crisis and Nuclear Stance
The threats come at a time of significant domestic turmoil within Iran. The national currency, the Rial, recently hit a record low, triggering a wave of protests in the capital, Tehran. Soaring inflation and mounting living costs are putting immense strain on millions of citizens in the sanctions-hit nation.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining its program is for peaceful purposes. However, the country accelerated its uranium enrichment after Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the 2015 international nuclear deal (JCPOA) three years after it was signed. Following the June strikes, Iran has also blocked international inspectors from reviewing its stocks of near bomb-grade uranium, raising global concerns.
The situation presents a volatile mix of military posturing, diplomatic possibility, and internal Iranian instability, keeping the Middle East on edge as 2025 comes to a close.
