Israel threatens fresh strike on Iran even after US deal

JERUSALEM: Israel has warned that it could launch another military strike against Iran if Tehran attempts to revive its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, even if Iran reaches an agreement with the United States.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen made the warning in an interview with the Israeli website Ynet, saying Israel would not tolerate efforts by Iran to rebuild capabilities that it considers a major security threat.

Cohen said that if Tehran resumes work on its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, Israel would be prepared to act again, regardless of whether Iran and Washington had already reached a diplomatic agreement.

His remarks add another layer of uncertainty to efforts aimed at reducing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its relations with the United States.

Cohen also defended Israel’s previous military action against Iran, arguing that Tehran had been approaching the ability to develop nuclear weapons before the strikes.

According to Cohen, Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that joint US-Israeli military operations pushed Iran’s nuclear programme back by between two and four years.

He claimed that Israel had demonstrated its military capabilities and retained the ability to strike Iran again if Tehran attempted to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure or ballistic missile programme.

The Israeli minister did not indicate what specific conditions would trigger another operation, leaving open questions about how Israel would respond to any future Iranian nuclear activity.

Iran has consistently rejected allegations that it is seeking nuclear weapons and has maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. The issue has nevertheless remained one of the most sensitive disputes in the Middle East.

Cohen’s comments come as regional tensions remain high and discussions over a possible US-Iran agreement continue to attract international attention.

The warning also highlights a fundamental difference between diplomatic and military approaches to Iran’s nuclear programme. While Washington may seek restrictions through negotiations, Israel has repeatedly stressed that it will reserve the right to act militarily if it believes Iran is rebuilding a dangerous capability.

For the region, the latest statement raises fears that even a future US-Iran agreement may not fully remove the possibility of renewed confrontation.

Israel’s message is clear: any significant Iranian attempt to rebuild its nuclear or missile programmes could be viewed as a red line — with military action remaining an option.