Try GOLD - Free
Trump warns Iran and Hamas
The Mercury
|December 31, 2025
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes and said Hamas would have "hell to pay" if it fails to disarm in Gaza, as he presented a united front with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.
-
Speaking at a news conference with Netanyahu in Florida, Trump threatened to "eradicate" any attempt by Tehran to rebuild its nuclear programme or ballistic missile arsenal following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year.
Trump also downplayed reports of tensions with Netanyahu over the second stage of the fragile Gaza ceasefire, saying that Israel had "lived up" to its commitments and that the onus was on Palestinian militant group Hamas.
"If they don't disarm as they agreed to do, then there will be hell to pay for them," Trump told reporters at his lavish Mara-Lago resort. "They have to disarm in a fairly short period of time."
Hamas's armed wing reiterated earlier this week that it would not surrender its weapons.
This story is from the December 31, 2025 edition of The Mercury.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Mercury
The Mercury
Two killed in series of Russian attacks
RUSSIA bombarded Ukraine yesterday, killing two people in the Kyiv region, authorities said on the eve of a diplomatic summit in France.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Food prices ease over festive season, but hunger persists
Millions of low-income households remain under severe financial strain, warns civil society groups
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Sharks must cure European travel sickness if they are to progress
IF THE Sharks can find a cure for their recent European travel sickness in Manchester on Saturday, they can strengthen their chances of advancing to the Investec Champions Cup playoffs.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Radical ANC deployment proposal rejected by KZN rank and file
Party members express concerns over external leadership appointments
3 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
SA, Botswana consider relocating Groblersbrug border post as Beitbridge traffic shifts fuel congestion
THE Department of Transport in South Africa and its Botswana counterparts are in ongoing discussions to relocate the Groblersbrug border post following sustained bottlenecks as cargo volumes previously routed through the Beitbridge border with Zimbabwe now use the exit point to avoid extra charges on the Zimbabwean side.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Venezuela's political future cannot be decided by the US
Declaring the right to 'run' another country is the language of occupation
4 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
AFCON South Africa's last-16 loss to Cameroon sparks reflection
WHAT was meant to be a defining year for South African football has instead begun with doubt, as Bafana Bafana’ last-16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) raised uncomfortable questions about their readiness for the challenges still to come.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Major fuel price cuts set for January 7, department announces
MOTORISTS can look forward to lower fuel prices this week, as a stronger rand and lower international oil prices have led to a significant over-recovery for both petrol and diesel.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Uruguay ready to embrace Frankie Dettori on latest leg of farewell tour
FRANKIE DETTORI'S farewell tour around South America moves on to Maronas racecourse in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo on Tuesday, with a bumper crowd expected to witness racing's great showman take four rides across a card comprising a whopping 20 races.
4 mins
January 06, 2026
The Mercury
Pirates cannot afford to let Mabasa slip away
LETTING experienced striker Tshegofatso Mabasa leave would be a costly self-inflicted setback for Orlando Pirates, potentially derailing their pursuit of silverware in the seasons ahead.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size