After Halting ‘Atomic Destruction,’ Netanyahu Threatens New Strikes on Iran

Netanyahu Says Israel Ready to Strike Iran Again if Nuclear Threat Returns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel is prepared to carry out another military strike against Iran if necessary, insisting that his government will not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons even as the United States and Iran push ahead with talks aimed at easing regional tensions.

Speaking in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu claimed that Israel’s previous military operations had prevented a major nuclear threat and made it clear that further action remains an option.

“In Iran, we saved ourselves from atomic bombs. There will be a third time if necessary,” Netanyahu said, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency.

Israel Maintains Hardline Stand

Netanyahu said Israel would act independently to safeguard its security and would not rely on international agreements if it believes Iran is moving closer to developing nuclear weapons.

His remarks reinforce Israel’s longstanding position that it reserves the right to launch unilateral military action against Iran, regardless of diplomatic negotiations taking place between Tehran and world powers.

Warning Comes as US, Iran Pursue Peace Framework

The warning comes at a sensitive time as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations, mediated by Qatar, to transform an existing ceasefire understanding into a broader political agreement. The proposed framework reportedly covers a phased reduction in hostilities, sanctions relief, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and measures to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and says it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, while negotiations over verification and technical safeguards remain ongoing.

Trump Urges Netanyahu to Avoid Escalation

Despite the diplomatic progress, Israel has repeatedly indicated that it does not consider itself bound by any agreement that leaves Iran with capabilities it views as a security threat. US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Netanyahu to avoid fresh military action, warning that another major strike could derail negotiations and isolate Israel diplomatically.

According to Axios, Trump told Netanyahu: “Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon.” The US has continued to support Israel’s security while simultaneously trying to prevent a wider regional conflict through diplomacy.

Netanyahu Visits Southern Lebanon

Separately, Netanyahu visited Israeli-held positions in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, where he vowed that Israeli troops would remain deployed until the threat from Hezbollah is eliminated. “Our insistence is that we will not leave southern Lebanon until the threat is removed,” he said. “As long as Hezbollah remains here, armed and threatening us, we will remain here as well.”

His visit came despite a US-backed security arrangement that envisages a limited Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon.

With negotiations between Washington and Tehran continuing and Israel reiterating its willingness to act alone, the region remains on edge as diplomatic efforts compete with the threat of renewed military confrontation.