US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Iran not to build up its nuclear programme, as he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks in Florida.
He has repeatedly claimed that Iran's nuclear industry had been “completely and fully obliterated” in US strikes in June. Israeli officials have also told local media of concerns about Iran rebuilding its supply of long-range missiles capable of striking Israel.
“I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Mr Trump told reporters as he welcomed Mr Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago estate. “And if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully, that’s not happening.”
Iran insists it is no longer enriching uranium and indicated openness to negotiations. But Mr Netanyahu was expected to discuss with Mr Trump the possible need for new military action against Tehran just months after launching a 12-day war on Iran.
Mr Netanyahu's visit also comes at another critical moment in Gaza as Mr Trump looks for momentum in the US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire that is in danger
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