Hamas told to disarm or face consequences

PALM BEACH: US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Iran of renewed military action, threatening fresh air strikes if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear programme or ballistic missile capabilities, while also issuing a stark ultimatum to Hamas over disarmament in Gaza.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said the United States and Israel would not tolerate any move by Iran to restore military capabilities damaged in earlier strikes carried out this year.

Warning to Iran

Trump said any effort by Tehran to revive its nuclear or missile programmes would be met with decisive action.

“We will eradicate any attempt by Iran to rebuild what was destroyed,” Trump told reporters, reinforcing Washington’s hardline stance following recent US-Israeli military operations.

Ultimatum to Hamas

Turning to Gaza, Trump warned that Hamas would have “hell to pay” if it failed to disarm under the terms of the fragile ceasefire agreement.

“If they don’t disarm as they agreed to do, then there will be hell to pay for them,” he said, adding that disarmament must take place within a short timeframe.

Earlier, Hamas’s armed wing reiterated that it would not surrender its weapons.

Iran Responds with Strong Warning

Iran responded swiftly to Trump’s remarks. Ali Shamkhani, a senior political adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, warned that any aggression would trigger an immediate and forceful response.

“Iran’s missile capability and defence are not containable or permission-based. Any aggression will face an immediate harsh response beyond its planners’ imagination,” Shamkhani wrote in a post on X.

Trump, Netanyahu Downplay Differences

Trump also dismissed reports of tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv over the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, saying Israel had fulfilled its obligations and that responsibility now lay with Hamas.

He said he had “very little difference” with Netanyahu and was “not concerned” about Israel’s actions.

Netanyahu, for his part, described the meeting as “very productive” and announced that Israel would award Trump its highest civilian honour, marking the first time it has been bestowed on a non-Israeli citizen.

Next Phase of Gaza Truce

Trump, who has described himself as a “president of peace,” said he was keen to move forward with the next phase of the Gaza truce. The plan would involve the formation of a Palestinian technocratic government and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.

While some US officials have privately expressed concern that Israel may be slowing the process, Trump said he remained confident in Netanyahu’s commitment.