President Donald Trump made clear Monday that he supports Israel taking decisive action against Iran if Tehran continues to expand its ballistic missile program, underscoring his administration’s hard line toward what he views as an increasingly aggressive regime.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump addressed the growing concern over Iran’s military ambitions. When asked about potential Israeli strikes, Trump indicated firm support, particularly when it comes to Iran’s nuclear activities.
“Yes, the nuclear fast, OK, one will be yes, absolutely,” Trump said. He added that if action is needed, “we’ll do it immediately,” signaling approval for Israel to move swiftly should Iran continue rebuilding its nuclear or missile capabilities. Trump noted that Iran’s nuclear program had already been heavily damaged during a 12-day conflict earlier this year, but warned against allowing Tehran to regain lost ground.
The president’s comments come amid mounting alarms from Israeli officials, who believe Iran is accelerating production within its ballistic missile program. Reports indicate Tehran has conducted recent missile tests, fueling fears that the regime is preparing to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian added to the tension over the weekend by declaring that Iran is effectively at war with the United States and Israel, as well as with Europe more broadly. The rhetoric followed warnings from Netanyahu last week, when he said any hostile moves by Iran would be met with a sharp and decisive Israeli response.
According to Israeli assessments, Iran is believed to possess roughly 2,000 heavy ballistic missiles. In late September, The Associated Press reported that Iran likely carried out missile tests at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport after satellite imagery showed activity consistent with launches.
Trump said he is closely watching those developments. “I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down,” he said. “We’ll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that is not happening.” The president’s remarks reflected a mix of deterrence and warning, emphasizing strength while expressing hope that further escalation can be avoided.
Earlier this year, the United States held five rounds of meetings with Iranian representatives aimed at curbing Tehran’s expanding nuclear program. Those talks ultimately failed to produce an agreement. In mid-June, Israel launched strikes inside Iran, killing military officers and nuclear scientists while damaging factories and missile launchers tied to the program.
Days after those strikes, the United States joined the campaign, with U.S. forces hitting Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. In early July, the Pentagon said the combined operations had set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by “one to two years,” a significant blow to the regime’s capabilities.
Despite the show of force, Trump has signaled that diplomacy remains an option. In October, he said he would be open to renewed talks if Iran is willing to engage seriously. “We are ready when you are and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made, and it’s going to happen,” Trump said at the time.
For now, Trump’s message was unmistakable: the United States stands firmly with Israel, and any renewed push by Iran to rebuild its nuclear or missile programs will be met with overwhelming resistance.
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