Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that further military action against Iran remains possible, saying he has discussed efforts to bring down the Iranian government with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The remarks came after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel and met Netanyahu at the Ovda Air Force Base in the Negev desert. According to an Israeli prime ministerial spokesperson, the two discussed regional threats as well as U.S.-Israeli cooperation on both offensive and defensive strategies.

Netanyahu Says He Discussed Iran With Trump

Netanyahu said he and Trump had discussed efforts to remove Iran’s government from power on multiple occasions.

“We are committed to completing the elimination of the Iranian regime,” Netanyahu said, adding that he had discussed the issue with Trump, including recently.

Netanyahu had previously said that Iran’s current regime must go, although he acknowledged that its fall before Israel’s upcoming election was not realistic.

Hegseth Holds Unannounced Talks in Israel

Hegseth’s surprise visit came amid renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran and discussions over the possibility of resuming major military operations against Iran.

The Pentagon has not publicly provided details about the meeting. Hegseth said he had visited U.S. service members in the Central Command area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East.

While the latest developments point to continued military and diplomatic tensions, neither the United States nor Israel has announced a specific date for a new large-scale strike on Iran. Recent developments surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have nevertheless kept regional security and global energy markets under pressure.