Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that any Iranian attack on Israel would prompt a powerful military response, whether direct or carried out through proxies.
"If Iran attacks Israel, either directly or through proxies, either with ballistic missiles or UAVs or killer drones, it will make a terrible mistake," Netanyahu told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures." "Israel’s response will be very, very forceful."
The US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28 to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Netanyahu cautioned that Iran could attempt to rebuild its capabilities.
"Yes, we pushed it back, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have an attempt to restore it," Netanyahu said. "And we have to be on constant watch so it doesn’t happen."
Netanyahu added that the US and Israeli intelligence services were "working so close together." He also said it was "a good thing to have the opportunity to sit with our good friend President Trump and to hear what he has in mind."
The two leaders will discuss the Iran war during a White House meeting this week. Trump is weighing diplomacy against the possibility of renewed military action.
Trump Giving Talks ‘Some Space’
The US paused its almost two‑week run of strikes against Iran for a second night, even as American forces continued Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports. The US has held off attacking Iran since Friday night after striking for 13 days.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told “Fox News Sunday" that President Trump wanted to give Iran talks “some space.” Trump is giving it a little bit of room,” Waltz said without providing further details.
Omani officials traveled to Tehran to work with Iranian counterparts on navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz after rising tensions. The mid‑June ceasefire collapsed following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, disrupting shipping and destabilizing the critical waterway once again.
The talks between the Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers were "constructive" and "some progress was made," Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Telegram.
US Considers Ground Troops?
The diplomatic movement has not eliminated concerns inside Washington about the next phase of the conflict. Analysts say the president is halting the strikes to give ceasefire negotiations time to work, with the recognition that escalation may not compel Tehran to end hostilities.
However, Retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward said on Sunday that the US may be using this time to reposition forces for a larger military operation. This could include possible deployment of ground troops, he said.
“Any singular bomb isn’t the answer to the overall efforts and capabilities they have," Harward, a former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, told "The Sunday Briefing." "I think the real options they may be preparing now are for boots on the ground to really show the Iranian people that we’re moving to the end of this government in Iran.”
This position counters other analysts who argue that expanding the military campaign does not guarantee a more compliant Iran.
"The American dilemma remains unchanged," Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, posted on X. "There is currently no good option. Returning to an agreement risks strengthening the Iranian regime and granting it economic breathing room, while escalating the war could lead to broad escalation without ensuring an improvement in the bargaining position vis-à-vis Tehran."
