Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is “close to achieving” its objectives in the war against Iran, but will continue to strike the country “hard” for another two to three weeks.
In an address to the nation from the White House, Trump praised what he described as “decisive” and “overwhelming” victories achieved by the United States, reiterating that the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
He also vowed not to abandon Gulf countries targeted by Iran in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic, stating: “I would like to thank our allies in the Middle East: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. They have been tremendous, and we will not allow them to be harmed or fail in any way.”
At the same time, Trump insisted the war is not yet over, saying: “We will deliver very powerful blows over the next two to three weeks. We will take them back to the Stone Age where they belong.”
He added that if no agreement is reached, the United States would strike all of Iran’s energy facilities “hard, and perhaps simultaneously.”
Trump renewed his threat to target Iran’s energy infrastructure, emphasizing that in the absence of a deal, Washington would escalate its attacks significantly.
Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an open message addressed to the American people ahead of Trump’s speech that the U.S.-Israeli attacks on vital infrastructure constitute a “war crime.”
Trump also called on countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz — which Iran has closed since the start of the war on February 28 and through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply typically passes — to “take care of it.”
“Extreme” Demands
On Wednesday morning, Trump said Iran had requested a ceasefire, adding that he would not consider ending the war unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, warning that its closure destabilizes the global economy.
“If they don’t open it, we will continue bombing Iran until it is completely destroyed,” Trump said.
The near-total closure of this vital maritime corridor has led to a sharp rise in oil prices, heightening fears of sustained inflation.
For its part, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to the country’s “enemies.”
In this context, London announced it will host a virtual meeting on Thursday involving representatives from around 30 countries willing to act to restore and secure maritime navigation in the Strait once the war ends.
Prior to his speech, Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social, that his Iranian counterpart had requested a “ceasefire.” However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied this, stating: “Messages have been received through intermediaries, including Pakistan, but there are no direct negotiations with the United States,” adding that Washington’s demands are “extreme and unreasonable.”
Pezeshkian had earlier expressed a desire to “end” the war but outlined conditions including security guarantees and financial compensation.
Oil Prices Rise Again
Driven by hopes of de-escalation, European and Wall Street stock markets closed higher on Wednesday ahead of Trump’s speech.
However, following the address, Brent crude prices rose again, surpassing $105 per barrel.
The economic repercussions of the war are being felt globally. World Bank Managing Director Pascal Donohoe expressed “deep concern” in an interview with AFP over the war’s impact on the global economy, particularly in terms of inflation, employment, and food security.
On Wednesday, Gulf countries were again targeted by Iranian attacks, including in the UAE where a Bangladeshi national was killed. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced late Wednesday that air defenses intercepted missile and drone attacks.
In Israel, the military said its air defenses intercepted two waves of Iranian missile barrages early Thursday, while media reports indicated minor injuries in the Tel Aviv area.
Shortly after Trump’s speech, the Israeli military announced for the third time that its air defenses were responding to an Iranian missile attack.
“Revenge”
Israel also continued its campaign with what it described as a “wave of large-scale strikes” in Tehran. According to an AFP correspondent, powerful explosions were heard in western Tehran on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite the bombardment, thousands of Iranians attended the funeral of a naval commander in the Revolutionary Guard who was killed in an Israeli strike. A child was seen holding a sign in English reading, “Iran will take revenge.”
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that “the campaign is not over,” while the government said part of its objectives had been achieved by delivering a “blow” to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
In Lebanon, the death toll from Israeli strikes since the start of the war with Hezbollah on March 2 has exceeded 1,300, according to the Health Ministry on Wednesday.
The war has extended to Lebanon after the Iran-backed group launched rockets at Israel in response to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli offensive.
Israel has responded with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon and ground incursions into the south, warning it plans to occupy parts of southern Lebanon once the war ends.
— AFP
