Netanyahu URGES Trump To Strike Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program
In a high-stakes meeting at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed for U.S. support—or at least a green light—for renewed military action against Iran‘s rapidly reconstituting ballistic missile program. The discussions highlighted a shift in focus from Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which were heavily damaged in a joint U.S.-Israeli 12-day war in June 2025, to what Israeli officials now describe as the more immediate threat: Tehran’s missile capabilities.
The June 2025 conflict marked a dramatic escalation in the long-standing shadow war between Israel and Iran. Israel, with U.S. backing in the final stages, launched airstrikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites, missile production facilities, air defenses, and key personnel. The U.S. contributed heavy bunker-buster bombs to penetrate underground nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, causing significant damage in Israel—including hits on military bases, homes, universities, and a hospital—and resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands wounded.
Israeli officials claimed the strikes “severely damaged” Iran’s missile array and “eliminated” its nuclear threat, declaring a “historic victory.” However, just six months later, intelligence assessments indicate Iran is rebuilding and expanding its ballistic missile production at an alarming pace. Reports suggest Tehran could soon produce up to 3,000 missiles annually, potentially overwhelming Israel’s Iron Dome and other defense systems. This capability is seen as enabling Iran’s proxies—such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen—to conduct sustained attacks while shielding any renewed nuclear efforts.
Netanyahu arrived in the U.S. armed with intelligence briefings and strike options, ranging from unilateral Israeli operations to joint U.S.-Israeli missions or even U.S.-led assaults. According to multiple reports from outlets like NBC News, The Washington Post, and Haaretz, the Israeli leader argued that unchecked missile reconstruction poses an existential risk, not only to Israel but to regional stability and U.S. interests.
During public remarks ahead of their closed-door talks, Trump struck a supportive yet measured tone. He warned Iran against rebuilding its capabilities, stating that if Tehran continues developing ballistic missiles, “there will definitely be an Israeli attack,” and for nuclear reconstitution, action would be “fast” or “immediate.” Trump emphasized: “For missiles, yes. For nuclear, fast.” He also reiterated his earlier boast that the June strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program and positioned himself and Netanyahu as “war heroes.”
Netanyahu, in turn, praised Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” and highlighted the need to prevent Iran from restoring its offensive power. The meeting also covered the Gaza ceasefire’s next phase—requiring Hamas to disarm—and broader regional issues like Syria and Lebanon.
While the two leaders presented a united front publicly, analysts note underlying tensions. Trump’s “America First” approach has emphasized de-escalation in the Middle East, economic deals, and diplomacy with Arab states—priorities that could clash with Netanyahu’s push for preemptive military dominance. Some Trump advisers reportedly express frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of ceasefires and fear endless escalation. Critics, including think tanks like Responsible Statecraft and the Quincy Institute, argue that Israel is shifting goalposts from nuclear to missile threats to justify perpetual conflict.
Iran, meanwhile, insists its missile program is defensive and non-negotiable. Iranian officials have warned of responses “beyond imagination” to any aggression, and conflicting signals from Tehran—reports of missile tests followed by denials—add to the uncertainty.
Trump has left the door open for action, particularly if Iran crosses red lines on missiles or nuclear work. For Netanyahu, securing U.S. backing remains crucial amid domestic political pressures and the need to maintain deterrence against a weakened but resilient Iranian axis.
The meeting underscores a volatile moment in the region: a fragile post-war calm, rebuilding adversaries, and two leaders whose alliance could either stabilize the Middle East through strength or drag it toward another round of devastating conflict. Whether Trump fully endorses Netanyahu’s urgency—or opts for diplomacy first—will likely shape the trajectory of U.S.-Israel-Iran relations in the months ahead.