At a Glance
- President Donald Trump warns Iran of further strikes if its nuclear program resumes.
- Trump and Netanyahu push for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, but progress stalls.
- Netanyahu faces a corruption trial while Trump urges a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
- Why it matters: The U.S. stance could shift regional security, while Gaza peace efforts and Israeli domestic politics intertwine.
At his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and issued a stark warning to Tehran, while also urging a swift move toward the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire that has seen recent setbacks.
Iran Threats and Gaza Talks
During the meeting, Donald Trump reiterated that the U.S. had already destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites in June, yet raised concerns that Iran might be building nuclear or missile capabilities elsewhere. Israeli officials echoed worries about a growing missile supply capable of striking Israel.
Iran insists it is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, trying to signal openness to negotiations.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s warning.
Trump’s warning comes amid U.S. focus on drug trafficking in South America and a push for fresh momentum in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Key points include:
- U.S. destroyed key enrichment sites in June.
- Iran denies ongoing enrichment.
- Trump threatened further strikes.
Donald Trump stated:
> “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 them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”
Donald Trump added:
> “If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time.”
Gaza Ceasefire Progress
Trump and Netanyahu said they want to move quickly to the second phase of the Gaza deal, which would see a demilitarized Gaza under international oversight, but progress has slowed as both sides accuse each other of violations.
The first phase began in October after the Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people, and 250+ hostages have been released.
The only remaining hostage, Ran Gvili, has been the focus of family meetings with leaders.
A table below summarizes the two phases.
| Phase | Key Actions | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hostage release, ceasefire | Completed (except Gvili) |
| 2 | Rebuild Gaza, disarm Hamas, create stabilization force | Pending |
The second phase would involve a Board of Peace chaired by Trump, a technocratic Palestinian committee, and a multinational International Stabilization Force-yet the force’s mandate remains contested.
Key challenges include vetting committee members, Israel’s continued strikes, and disagreement over the force’s role.
Donald Trump said:
> “But there has to be a disarming of Hamas.”
Donald Trump said:
> “We want to get to the second phase of the Gaza deal as quickly as we can.”
Donald Trump said:
> “They’re waiting for their son to come home.”
Netanyahu Pardon and Diplomatic Moves
The leaders also celebrated each other’s achievements, with Netanyahu praising Trump’s unconventional moves and Trump urging Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Netanyahu, who is under a corruption trial.
Netanyahu faced fraud, breach of trust, and bribery charges, making him the only sitting Israeli prime minister ever tried.
Trump has asked for a pardon multiple times, and Herzog says the decision will follow established procedures.
Key points include:
- Netanyahu faces fraud, breach of trust, and bribery charges.
- Trump has asked for a pardon multiple times.
- Herzog’s office says the decision will follow procedures.
Benjamin Netanyahu said:
> “President Trump has broken so many conventions to the surprise of people. So we decided to break a convention too, or create a new one.”
Donald Trump said:
> “He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?”
Israeli President’s office said:
> “During that conversation, an explanation was provided regarding the stage of the process in which the request currently stands, and that any decision on the matter will be made in accordance with the established procedures.”
With Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Gaza’s fragile ceasefire, and Netanyahu’s legal battles all in play, the U.S. and Israel are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape that could reshape regional dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Iran’s nuclear program remains a flashpoint, with U.S. threatening further strikes.
- Gaza’s second-phase reconstruction faces logistical, political, and security hurdles.
- Netanyahu’s pardon request is pending, with the decision subject to established procedures.
The coming days will determine whether Tehran’s nuclear plans are halted, whether Gaza’s reconstruction can proceed, and whether Netanyahu’s pardon will be granted.
Gavin U. Stonebridge reported from Jerusalem and Gavin U. Stonebridge from Cairo. News Of Austin writers Gavin U. Stonebridge in Washington, Gavin U. Stonebridge at the United Nations, and Gavin U. Stonebridge and Gavin U. Stonebridge in Cairo contributed to this report.
