Trump threatens Hamas and Iran following high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signalling a tougher US stance on Gaza, Tehran, and regional security.
The warning came after a closed-door meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where ceasefire enforcement, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Hezbollah activity dominated discussions.
Trump said Hamas would face severe consequences if it failed to disarm, insisting the group had already committed to the process under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
He warned there would be “hell to pay” if Hamas did not comply, stressing that Israel had fulfilled its obligations despite continued military operations in Gaza.
Trump accused Hamas of delaying progress toward the second phase of the ceasefire, placing full responsibility for stalled negotiations on the Palestinian armed group.
The first phase of the truce, launched in October, involved captive exchanges, increased humanitarian aid, and partial Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.
However, Israel has continued near-daily strikes, killing hundreds, while restricting aid deliveries and delaying the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt.
Despite these actions, Trump publicly defended Israel, stating it had honoured the ceasefire agreement and remained committed to ending hostilities responsibly.
Hamas has rejected calls to fully disarm, arguing that weapons remain necessary while Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories continues.
The group previously proposed setting aside arms temporarily in exchange for a long-term truce lasting up to ten years.
Trump dismissed that proposal, insisting disarmament must be immediate and verifiable to prevent renewed conflict and ensure lasting peace.
There was no immediate response from Hamas following Trump’s remarks, though regional analysts warned tensions could quickly escalate.
Beyond Gaza, Trump threatens Hamas and Iran by renewing warnings against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions after US air strikes earlier this year.
He claimed intelligence suggested Iran was attempting to rebuild nuclear facilities damaged during US strikes on three key sites in June.
“If they build again, we will knock them down,” Trump said, promising a faster and more destructive response if necessary.
Trump declined to provide evidence for his claims but insisted the United States knew Iran’s movements and intentions.
He referenced the use of B-2 bombers during the earlier operation, highlighting America’s long-range strike capability and readiness.
Trump said the consequences of renewed Iranian nuclear activity would be “more powerful than last time,” signalling escalation risks.
When asked if Washington would support Israeli strikes on Iran’s missile programme, Trump responded affirmatively.
He said nuclear facilities would be targeted immediately, while missile development would also face US backing if Iran persisted.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining its programme is for civilian energy purposes.
Tehran also ruled out negotiations over its missile programme, describing it as essential to national defence and deterrence.
During June’s conflict, Iran fired hundreds of missiles toward Israel following Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian officials and civilians.
The brief war ended after Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on a US base in Qatar, causing no casualties.
Trump later announced a ceasefire, claiming American intervention prevented a wider regional war.
US Senator Lindsey Graham echoed Israeli concerns this month, warning Iran’s growing missile production threatens Israel’s Iron Dome defence system.
Graham said Iran was manufacturing long-range missiles in large numbers, posing serious risks to regional stability.
Trump urged Iran to “make a deal,” arguing diplomacy would be smarter than risking another devastating confrontation.
He claimed Tehran regretted refusing an earlier agreement before US strikes damaged its nuclear infrastructure.
Despite brokering multiple ceasefires involving Israel, Trump’s latest comments suggest strong alignment with Netanyahu’s security priorities.
Some US officials, however, privately question whether Netanyahu is fully committed to sustaining the Gaza ceasefire.
Critics argue Trump’s rhetoric increases the risk of renewed violence in Gaza and potential conflict with Iran.
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The comments also contradict a recent US National Security Strategy calling for reduced Middle East military involvement.
Policy analysts warn that another strike on Iran could trigger prolonged warfare beyond Washington’s control.
Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute cautioned Iran would respond far more aggressively if attacked again.
Parsi said Iran must deter repeated bombings or risk becoming a routine target for Israeli and US military action.
As Trump threatens Hamas and Iran, uncertainty continues to loom over ceasefire efforts and Middle East stability.
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