Trump and Netanyahu Escalate Warnings on Iran as Tehran Threatens “Severe, Immediate, and Unpredictable” Retaliation

President Trump publicly escalated rhetoric against Iran, signaling that the U.S. would support military strikes if Iran moves to rebuild its missile program or resume nuclear activities.

Following a direct meeting held between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, early this week, President Trump publicly escalated rhetoric against Iran, signaling that the United States would support—or directly carry out—military strikes if Iran moves to rebuild its missile program or resume nuclear activities. Responding to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said that “if they rebuild their missile program, yes,” the U.S. would back an attack, and “if they restart the nuclear program, immediately.” He added that he had heard Iran was attempting to “rebuild” damaged facilities, warning that if they are, in fact, doing so, “We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them,” but adding that “hopefully that’s not happening”

At the same time, Trump paired the threat with a diplomatic message, saying it would be “much smarter” for Iran to make a deal. He argued that Tehran could have agreed before a major strike in the past, adding, “I wish that deal had happened. I think they should make a deal.” Asked whether Washington supports regime change in Iran, Trump said he would not discuss overthrowing a government, but pointed to severe inflation, economic collapse, and widespread public dissatisfaction inside Iran. He also accused Iranian authorities of shooting protesters during demonstrations, saying he had witnessed “massive public discontent” for years. After the press exchange, Trump and Netanyahu began closed-door talks at the Mar-a-Lago estate.

Hours later, Iranian officials responded with sharp deterrence messaging. President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X that “the response of the Islamic Republic of Iran to any unjust aggression will be severe and regret-inducing.” Senior figures amplified the warning. Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, wrote in Hebrew that under Iran’s defense doctrine, some responses are determined even before threats are carried out, stressing that Iran’s missile and defensive capabilities are not subject to external control and warning that any aggression would face a “severe, immediate, and unpredictable” response. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed the stance, saying Iran does not seek permission to defend itself and that any response to “adventurism and aggression” would be broad, uncompromising, and potentially unexpected.

International reactions followed quickly. Moscow urged restraint, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warning against steps that could escalate regional tensions and emphasizing that dialogue with Iran is necessary.

The exchange comes amid renewed focus in Israeli media on Iran’s missile program, including reports alleging efforts to rebuild missile capabilities damaged in earlier strikes. During the 12-day Israel–Iran war, Israeli operations prioritized nuclear facilities and figures linked to Iran’s military programs, while also striking research centers, laboratories, workshops, missile launchers, and entrances to missile storage sites. At the time, analysis centered on disabling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, but attention has since shifted toward the missile dimension, now prominent in U.S. and Israeli warnings.

Taken together, the episode reflects a familiar and volatile pattern: U.S.–Israeli military threats coupled with calls for a deal, met by Iranian deterrence messaging and warnings of unpredictable retaliation, as external actors urge restraint. Whether Trump’s posture is intended primarily as leverage for negotiations or signals readiness for renewed military action remains unclear, but the rhetoric has raised regional tensions and increased the margin for miscalculation.