Trump Vows ‘More Powerful’ Consequences for Iran’s Military Rebuild

By Michael Katz | Monday, 29 December 2025 04:52 PM EST

President Donald Trump warned Monday that the U.S. would respond forcefully if Iran attempts to rebuild its military or nuclear capabilities, stating any renewed threat from Tehran would bring consequences “more powerful” than previous actions.

Trump made the remarks during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Asked how close the Middle East might be to another confrontation involving Iran, Trump said Tehran could be “behaving badly,” while cautioning that intelligence assessments are still being reviewed.

He emphasized that Iran understands the risks of further escalation.
“They know the consequences,” Trump stated. “Consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time.”

America’s B-2 bombers destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites in June, though reports have suggested Tehran is working to rebuild parts of its military infrastructure.

Trump said Iran missed an earlier opportunity to de-escalate tensions.
“Iran should have made a deal the last time I gave them the option,” he said. “I told them, ‘You can make a deal. Do it.’ They didn’t believe me. Now they believe me.”

Pressed on whether the concern centers primarily on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump warned that if Tehran plans to gear up, “they’re making a big mistake.”

Trump stated that the U.S. remains open to diplomacy but made clear that deterrence remains central to U.S. policy toward Iran.
“I would support bilateral discussions,” he said. “I told them, ‘Let’s negotiate.’ And they didn’t believe what was going to happen would happen.”

He added that Iran’s regional influence has been weakened and cautioned against letting it recover.
“Iran has been greatly reduced in power, prestige,” Trump said. “We can’t let them build up again, because if they build up, there can’t be peace in the Middle East.”