Donald Trump says the United States will ramp up its military campaign against Iran over the next two to three weeks, even as the conflict approaches its final stage.
In his first national address since the war began on February 28, Trump said the joint US-Israeli offensive is close to meeting its goals. Speaking from the White House, he noted that progress made so far puts the US on track to complete its objectives “very shortly.”
He added that although the core aims of the war are nearly achieved, strikes on Iran will continue with intensity in the coming weeks.
Trump also reassured key regional allies — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain — of continued US support amid ongoing missile and drone attacks from Iran.
While hinting at the possibility of renewed diplomacy, he described Iran’s current leadership as more open than before, but warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to attacks on critical infrastructure such as power facilities.
Meanwhile, tensions in global energy markets remain high, with oil prices rising over fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for a significant share of the world’s oil supply. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to keep the passage closed, while Iranian officials rejected US ceasefire terms, calling them unrealistic and denying direct negotiations.
The conflict, sparked by large-scale US and Israeli airstrikes, continues to drive global uncertainty.
Earlier, Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, addressed Americans directly, questioning the justification for the war and accusing Washington of wrongdoing, while stressing that ordinary US citizens are not viewed as enemies.
Fighting has continued across the region, with Iran launching fresh missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Eilat, as well as targeting US bases in the Gulf. Israeli defence systems intercepted several threats, though emergency services reported injuries following a strike.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed responsibility for hitting an oil tanker near Qatar, causing damage but no reported casualties.
