US President Donald Trump, has said the United States will intensify its military campaign against Iran over the next two to three weeks, even as the war nears its final phase.
Speaking in his first national address since the conflict began on February 28, Trump told Americans that the US-Israeli offensive was close to achieving its objectives.
“Thanks to the progress we’ve made, I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly,” he said from the White House.
He added that while the war’s “core strategic objectives are nearing completion,” the United States would continue to strike Iran forcefully in the coming weeks.
“We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said.
The president also reassured regional allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, that the US would continue to support and protect them amid ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Trump signaled that diplomatic talks with Iran’s new leadership could still be possible, describing them as “less radical and much more reasonable” than before. However, he warned that if no agreement is reached, the US is prepared to target key infrastructure, including Iran’s electricity generation facilities.
Despite the speech, energy markets remained unsettled, with oil prices rising as concerns persist over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz , a critical route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed to keep the waterway closed to what they describe as enemy nations.
Iran, however, dismissed US ceasefire overtures, describing Washington’s demands as “maximalist and irrational.” Officials also denied any direct negotiations with the United States, although messages have reportedly been exchanged through intermediaries.
Earlier, Trump claimed Iran’s president had sought a ceasefire, but insisted the country must first reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict, which began with a large-scale US and Israeli airstrike campaign on Iran, has triggered economic uncertainty and diplomatic tensions globally.
Ahead of Trump’s address, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian appealed directly to the American public, questioning whether the war aligns with the “America First” agenda and accusing Washington of war crimes. He also stressed that ordinary Americans are not considered enemies by Iran.
Meanwhile, hostilities continued across the region. Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Eilat, as well as US military bases in the Gulf.
Israeli authorities said their air defence systems were activated to intercept the incoming threats.
As Israel marked the start of the Passover holiday, air raid sirens sounded repeatedly in parts of the country. Emergency services reported that a missile strike injured 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed responsibility for striking an oil tanker in the Gulf believed to be linked to Israel. A maritime security agency confirmed the vessel was hit off the coast of Qatar, sustaining damage but with no reported casualties.