U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will significantly ramp up its military offensive against Iran over the next two to three weeks, even as the conflict approaches what he described as its final phase.
In his first national address since hostilities began on February 28, Trump said the joint U.S.–Israeli operation is close to meeting its key objectives. Speaking from the White House, he told Americans that the campaign is progressing rapidly and nearing completion.
While noting that core strategic goals are almost achieved, Trump emphasized that military pressure on Iran will continue in the coming weeks. He stated that U.S. forces will strike Iran “extremely hard” during that period.
The president also reassured regional allies—including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain—of continued U.S. support amid ongoing missile and drone attacks from Iran.
Despite the escalation, Trump hinted at possible diplomatic engagement with Iran’s new leadership, describing them as more moderate than their predecessors. However, he warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to further strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including power facilities.
Global energy markets reacted with uncertainty following the speech, with oil prices climbing amid fears over potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to keep the passage closed to what they call hostile nations.
Tehran, however, rejected U.S. calls for a ceasefire, labeling Washington’s demands as excessive and unreasonable. Iranian officials denied holding direct negotiations with the U.S., though indirect communication is believed to be ongoing.
Earlier claims by Trump that Iran’s leadership sought a ceasefire were also dismissed, with Tehran maintaining that any such move would require the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz first.
The conflict, sparked by a large-scale U.S. and Israeli airstrike campaign, has heightened global economic concerns and diplomatic tensions.
Ahead of Trump’s address, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian appealed to the American public, questioning whether the war aligns with Washington’s “America First” policy while accusing the U.S. of committing war crimes. He added that Iran does not view ordinary Americans as enemies.
Meanwhile, fighting continues across the region. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Eilat, as well as U.S. bases in the Gulf. Israeli defense systems were activated to intercept incoming threats.
As Israel observed the start of the Passover holiday, air raid sirens sounded repeatedly in several areas. Emergency officials confirmed that a missile strike injured 14 people, including a child.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed responsibility for hitting an oil tanker in the Gulf believed to have ties to Israel. A maritime security agency reported that the vessel was struck off the coast of Qatar, sustaining damage but with no casualties recorded.