(TEHRAN, Iran — April 3, 2026) — Iranian military officials have issued a sharp warning of “more crushing and more destructive” attacks against the United States and Israel, escalating tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages” during a televised address.
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al‑Anbiya central headquarters, said the country would intensify its military operations and continue fighting until Washington and Tel Aviv faced what he described as “permanent regret and surrender.” His remarks were carried by the semi‑official Tasnim news agency and echoed across Iranian state media.
The comments followed Trump’s prime‑time speech from the White House, where he claimed the U.S. was “very close” to achieving its objectives in the ongoing conflict. He warned that American attacks would escalate over the coming weeks if Iran refused to negotiate. The president offered few new details, instead reiterating earlier statements aimed at reassuring Americans about the direction of the war.
Regional Impact and Rising Risks
The conflict has increasingly drawn in Gulf states, with air‑defense systems in the United Arab Emirates responding to missile and drone threats in recent days. Analysts say the widening scope of the fighting underscores the volatility of the region and the risk of further spillover.
A major point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil typically passes. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed to keep the strait closed to “enemies,” while Trump has insisted that reopening it is a prerequisite for any ceasefire. The near‑shutdown of the waterway has disrupted global shipping and energy markets, prompting urgent calls from European leaders to restore safe passage.
French President Emmanuel Macron has argued that a military operation to forcibly reopen the strait would be “unrealistic,” while China—one of the largest importers of oil through the route—has blamed the U.S. and Israel for what it calls the “root cause” of the crisis.
Economic Fallout
Global markets reacted sharply to the latest rhetoric. Oil prices surged, and stock markets dipped following Trump’s address, reflecting investor anxiety over the possibility of a prolonged or expanded conflict. Energy analysts warn that continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz could have lasting consequences for fuel prices worldwide.
Outlook
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, and neither side has signaled a willingness to de‑escalate. With Iran promising broader retaliation and the U.S. preparing for intensified operations, regional observers fear the conflict may be entering a more dangerous phase.
For now, the international community continues to urge restraint, though few expect a breakthrough in the immediate future.