Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran that any attack on Israel, either directly or through allied groups, would trigger a "very forceful" response, as tensions continue over Tehran's nuclear programme and regional activities.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Iran, saying any attack on Israel through ballistic missiles, drones or proxy groups would be considered a "terrible mistake" and would receive a "very, very forceful" response.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel would respond strongly if Tehran attempted any offensive action. His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Israel, Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear programme and military activities in the region.
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Netanyahu also said that ending the conflict with Iran would require Tehran either to change its approach or face consequences for what he described as destabilising activities across the Middle East.
Netanyahu to discuss Iran with Trump
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington, where Iran's nuclear programme and regional security are expected to be key issues.
The Israeli prime minister said he intends to urge Trump to maintain continuous monitoring of Iran's nuclear capabilities. He acknowledged that Israel and the US had damaged Iran's nuclear infrastructure but warned that Tehran could attempt to rebuild its capabilities.
"Our intelligence services and yours are working so close together," Netanyahu said, adding that discussions with Trump would focus on future strategy and monitoring.
US-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz dispute
The warning comes after a period of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, including military strikes and retaliatory actions.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes, has remained a major point of concern. The waterway handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, and any disruption could affect international energy markets.
Iran has held discussions over the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has said it prefers a diplomatic solution but remains prepared to respond if Iran continues actions against American interests or allies.
Saudi nuclear deal linked to Israel ties
Netanyahu also backed US President Donald Trump's reported condition that Saudi Arabia should normalise relations with Israel before Washington moves ahead with a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Riyadh.
Trump has said Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a US-backed framework for normalising relations between Israel and Arab countries, should be part of the agreement.
Netanyahu described potential Saudi-Israel normalisation as a major diplomatic development and said preventing a military nuclear programme in Saudi Arabia remained important.
Saudi Arabia has previously stated that formal diplomatic relations with Israel would require progress towards Palestinian statehood, a position that differs from the current Israeli government's stance.
The latest statements come as regional tensions remain high following military confrontations involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
While diplomatic efforts continue, Netanyahu's remarks underline the ongoing disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions, regional influence and security arrangements in the Middle East.
Published: 26 Jul 2026, 10:35 pm IST
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