Netanyahu Warns Iran: Israel Will Strike Again If Nuclear Threat Returns

Netanyahu Warns Israel Ready for Another Strike on Iran Despite Ongoing US-Backed Peace Push

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel is prepared to launch another military strike against Iran if it believes the country’s security is under threat, even as the US and Iran continue negotiations aimed at turning a ceasefire into a broader peace agreement.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu defended Israel’s previous military operations against Iran, claiming they had prevented a major nuclear threat. “We saved ourselves from atomic bombs,” he said, adding, “There will be a third time if necessary,” according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would act independently to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, regardless of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Warning Comes During Delicate US-Iran Negotiations

Netanyahu’s remarks come as the US and Iran, with mediation from Qatar, continue talks on a framework designed to ease regional tensions. The proposed agreement reportedly includes commitments to halt military action, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, negotiate sanctions relief and address concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has maintained that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, while negotiations on technical and security issues continue.

Israel Says It Is Not Bound by Any Deal

Israel has consistently maintained that it will not be bound by any agreement that, in its view, allows Iran to retain military or nuclear capabilities posing a threat to Israeli security.

US President Donald Trump has publicly urged restraint, warning that fresh large-scale Israeli strikes could undermine diplomatic efforts and leave Israel internationally isolated.

According to Axios, Trump told Netanyahu, “Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon,” while stressing that diplomacy remains the best way to avoid another regional conflict.

Regional Tensions Continue

The diplomatic efforts follow months of heightened conflict between Israel and Iran, including exchanges of missile strikes and military operations that raised fears of a wider regional war. The US has supported Israel’s air defence but has sought to prevent further escalation.

Netanyahu has defended Israel’s military campaign, saying it significantly weakened Iran and Hezbollah and delayed what he described as an immediate nuclear threat.

Netanyahu Reaffirms Lebanon Deployment

During a visit to Israeli-held positions in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, Netanyahu also said Israeli forces would remain there until Hezbollah no longer poses a security threat.

“Our insistence is that we will not leave southern Lebanon until the threat is removed,” he told Israeli troops. “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 and an expanded role for the Lebanese military.

As US-Iran negotiations continue, Netanyahu’s latest warning underscores Israel’s position that it reserves the right to take unilateral military action if it believes its national security is at risk.