Trump, Netanyahu discuss possible strikes on Iran and Gaza plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of renewed military action against Iran in 2026 during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on December 29, according to one U.S. official and two other American sources familiar with the talks.

The discussions come amid lingering tensions following the 12-day conflict with Iran in June, which both Trump and Netanyahu have described as a major success. Israeli officials, however, have warned that additional strikes may be required if Tehran attempts to rebuild its military or nuclear capabilities, Axios reports.

Speaking after the meeting, President Trump said that the United States would take action again if Iran sought to reconstitute its nuclear programme, while reiterating his preference for a negotiated agreement with Tehran. A U.S. official noted that Washington could support further military action if Iran takes “real and verifiable steps” towards rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure, though disagreements remain over how such actions would be defined.

U.S. officials acknowledged that repeated claims by Trump that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “obliterated” could complicate efforts to justify future strikes or approve Israeli military operations.

While U.S. forces targeted Iranian nuclear sites during the June conflict, Israel also struck conventional military assets, particularly ballistic missile infrastructure. Israeli officials have recently voiced concerns over signs that Iran is rebuilding its missile programme.

According to the sources, Netanyahu briefed Trump on Israel’s assessment of Iran’s nuclear status six months after the conflict and raised concerns over missile developments. He also highlighted Hezbollah’s reported efforts to restore its long-range missile capabilities in Lebanon.

No agreement was reached on specific thresholds, timelines or detailed plans for future military action, the U.S. official said. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment, while the White House referred inquiries to Trump’s public remarks.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Tehran would respond “harshly” to any acts of aggression. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, urged the U.S. administration to return to negotiations based on mutual respect. Although Araghchi held discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff as recently as September, no substantive talks have taken place in recent months.

Some U.S. and Israeli officials believe the greatest risk of renewed conflict lies in miscalculation, with either side attempting to pre-empt what it perceives as an imminent attack. Israeli officials recently cautioned Washington that a missile exercise conducted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards could have served as cover for a potential strike.

The meeting also addressed developments in Gaza. Two senior U.S. officials said Netanyahu agreed to move forward with the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Trump, for his part, pledged that Israel would be permitted to resume military operations if Hamas fails to honour the deal or refuses to begin disarming.

A senior U.S. official said Netanyahu expressed scepticism regarding the ceasefire but ultimately allowed progress towards the next phase. Trump is expected to announce the transition to phase two in January, alongside the establishment of a Gaza Board of Peace and a new Palestinian technocratic government.

The first meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace, to be chaired by Trump, is scheduled to take place during the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 23.

By Vugar Khalilov