President Donald Trump told reporters in Palm Beach he would back Israeli military strikes if Iran rebuilds its ballistic missile or nuclear programs, warning, "We will knock the hell out of them." He made the comments ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Iran's threat and the Gaza ceasefire. Trump reiterated having ordered a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites in June and publicly encouraged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to consider a preemptive pardon for Netanyahu, who faces a corruption trial.
Trump Says He'd Back Israeli Strikes If Iran Rebuilds Missile or Nuclear Programs — "We'll Knock The Hell Out Of Them"
Palm Beach, Florida — President Donald Trump said Monday he would support an Israeli military strike if Iran rebuilds its ballistic missile or nuclear programs, warning "We will knock the hell out of them."
Speaking before a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said he had heard reports that Iran is attempting to expand its ballistic missile program. He added that he had been told Tehran "wants to make a deal," but left open U.S. backing for Israeli action if missile or nuclear development continues.
"Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again. And if they are, we're going to have to knock them down," Trump said alongside Mr. Netanyahu. "We'll knock the hell out of them, but hopefully that's not happening."
Asked directly whether he would back Israeli strikes, Trump replied, "If they will continue with the missiles, yes. The nuclear, fast," signaling he would favor a swift response if Iran resumed nuclear advances. He also reiterated that in June he ordered a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites and said the country's capabilities were "totally obliterated."
Meeting With Netanyahu
The leaders met to discuss what they described as a growing threat from Iran and to review developments on the ceasefire in Gaza. Before the meeting, Trump publicly voiced support for the idea of an Israeli presidential pardon for Netanyahu amid the prime minister's corruption trial.
"I think he will, how do you not? He's a wartime prime minister who's a hero," Trump said, adding that he had spoken to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who "told me it's on the way." Netanyahu has requested a preemptive pardon while his legal proceedings continue.
Netanyahu's visit to Mar-a-Lago followed a meeting there on Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump said he was optimistic about progress toward a diplomatic deal related to the war with Russia.
Why It Matters
Trump's remarks underscore persistent tensions over Iran's missile and nuclear activities and signal continued U.S. readiness to support Israeli security actions. The comments also highlight the intersection of international security issues and Israeli domestic politics as Netanyahu seeks political and legal cover amid his corruption trial.
