Trump Issues Warning To Iran
President says U.S. response would be stronger if Tehran attempts to rebuild military or nuclear capabilities
President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States would take strong action if Iran tries to rebuild its military capabilities or restart its nuclear efforts, warning that any new threat from Tehran would be met with serious repercussions.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following their meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the president emphasized that Iran understands the risks of escalation and should not test U.S. resolve.
The remarks were broadcast live on Newsmax and its digital streaming platforms.
“They Know the Consequences”
When questioned about the possibility of another Middle East conflict involving Iran, Trump said there are signs the regime may be testing boundaries, while noting that U.S. intelligence officials are still assessing the situation.
Still, Trump stressed that Tehran has already been warned.
“They know the consequences,” Trump said. “And those consequences will be very powerful — possibly more powerful than last time.”
Earlier this year, U.S. forces carried out operations that eliminated key elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Since then, reports have suggested Iranian leaders may be attempting to rebuild parts of their military capacity.
Trump said any such effort would be a major mistake.
Missed Opportunity for Diplomacy
The president also pointed to what he described as a missed chance for Iran to avoid further conflict through negotiations.
“I gave them an opportunity to make a deal,” Trump said. “I told them to do it. They didn’t believe me then. Now they believe me.”
When pressed on whether Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain the primary concern, Trump broadened his warning to include any attempt by the regime to rearm or expand its regional influence.
“If they’re planning to build up again, they’re making a very big mistake,” he said.
Strength First, Peace Through Deterrence
While emphasizing strength, Trump made clear that diplomacy remains an option — but only if Iran takes negotiations seriously.
“I’m open to talks,” he said. “I said we could negotiate. They didn’t think what was going to happen would actually happen.”
Trump also noted that Iran’s standing in the Middle East has been significantly weakened in recent months, warning against allowing the regime to regain its former influence.
“Iran has lost power and prestige,” Trump said. “We cannot allow them to build back up, because if they do, there will never be peace in the Middle East.”
