Netanyahu Tells Trump: Israel Will Strike Iran Again if Nuclear Threat Returns — Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel is prepared to launch another military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran resumes its nuclear weapons program, according to multiple diplomatic sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and Ynet.

The warning was delivered during Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington in early July, where the two leaders held a closed-door meeting focused on Iran. Netanyahu reportedly emphasized that Israel views a renewed preemptive strike as a necessary deterrent. Trump, for his part, expressed no objections to the Israeli position but reiterated his preference for diplomatic engagement, according to officials briefed on the conversation.

This comes after the joint U.S.–Israeli airstrikes in June 2025, which reportedly damaged key parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to Pentagon assessments cited by Reuters and TIME, the strikes may have set back Iran’s nuclear program by up to two years. However, Israeli and American officials acknowledged that some of Iran’s enriched uranium—especially from fortified underground facilities—may have survived.

Israeli strategic doctrine, particularly the Begin Doctrine, allows for preemptive military action to prevent hostile regimes from acquiring nuclear weapons. Netanyahu has repeatedly invoked this principle and suggested that Israel would not hesitate to act again if Iran resumes enrichment or expands underground operations.

Sources close to Netanyahu’s national security team, including senior adviser Ron Dermer, believe the Trump administration would likely give quiet support for another Israeli strike if Tehran restarts enrichment activity or breaches current limits.

Despite strong coordination, the U.S. and Israel reportedly differ in their strategic preferences. Trump’s administration favors increasing economic pressure and diplomatic isolation, while Israel maintains that only a credible military threat—or direct action—can truly halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran has not officially resumed high-level enrichment, but recent statements by Iranian officials suggest the program could be revived if diplomatic talks continue to stall. A July 7 Reuters report quoted Iran’s president saying Tehran is open to dialogue but warned that “any Israeli act of aggression will not go unanswered.”