TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran has vowed to launch “crushing” retaliatory attacks against the United States and Israel following fresh threats from US President Donald Trump to escalate military action.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military command warned that the conflict would continue until its adversaries face “humiliation and defeat,” promising broader and more destructive operations in the coming days.
The warning came after Trump declared that the US-led campaign against Tehran is nearing its final phase but would intensify over the next two to three weeks.
Speaking in a national address from the White House, Trump said Washington is close to achieving its key military objectives. “We are on track to complete all of America’s objectives very shortly,” he stated, while cautioning that Iran would face “extremely heavy” strikes in the near term.
He also suggested that diplomatic engagement could be possible with what he described as a “more reasonable” new Iranian leadership, signaling openness to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. However, Trump warned that failure to reach a deal could result in expanded attacks on critical infrastructure, including Iran’s power generation facilities.
The US president reassured regional allies including Israel and Gulf nations of continued American support amid ongoing Iranian drone and missile strikes across the region.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate
The UN has also heightened concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. Trump called on other countries to help restore navigation through the waterway, where nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reiterated their stance to keep the strait closed to what they termed hostile forces, raising fears of prolonged disruption to global energy markets.
Oil prices surged following the reflecting investor anxiety over potential supply shocks and a widening regional conflict.
Tehran has meanwhile rejected US calls for a ceasefire, describing Washington’s demands as “unrealistic and excessive,” signaling no immediate path toward de-escalation.
