President Donald Trump cautioned Iran on Monday against resuming its nuclear program, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for discussions on a range of issues. Trump's warning follows his previous assertions that U.S. strikes in June had completely dismantled Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Trump addressed reporters shortly after Netanyahu's arrival, stating, "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."
The Israeli government has reportedly voiced concerns through local media about Iran's efforts to rebuild its supply of long-range missiles, which are perceived as a direct threat to Israel's security. These concerns are set against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and international efforts to monitor Iran's nuclear activities.
Trump's administration has recently focused on combating drug trafficking in South America and is attempting to revitalize the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Gaza deal faces potential setbacks before reaching its second phase, which involves establishing an international governing body and reconstruction efforts in the region.
The international community has been closely monitoring Iran's nuclear program since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump, reimposing sanctions on Iran.
European powers, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have been working to salvage the JCPOA, but their efforts have been complicated by ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, as well as concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program and regional activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor Iran's nuclear facilities.
The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and international security. Further diplomatic efforts and monitoring activities are expected to continue as the international community seeks to address concerns about Iran's nuclear program and its broader regional role.
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