Iran fired a new wave of missiles toward Israel, escalating tensions further after Donald Trump claimed the United States was close to achieving its military objectives in the ongoing conflict.
In a televised address, Trump said the war was “nearing completion” and projected that US involvement could last another two to three weeks. He warned that Washington was prepared to intensify military operations, threatening to bring Iran “back to the stone ages” if necessary.
The US president stated that American forces would continue to strike Iran “extremely hard” in the coming weeks, even as diplomatic efforts remain underway. His remarks, which combined calls for negotiations with warnings of further escalation, have added to uncertainty over Washington’s strategy.
Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, asserting that its navy had been destroyed, its air force crippled, and key leadership figures eliminated. He also said Iran’s missile and drone programmes had been significantly weakened, with weapons factories and launch systems largely dismantled.
Despite these claims, Iran has continued its military campaign, carrying out near-daily strikes since February 28 targeting US and Israeli-linked sites, including energy facilities, airports, and key infrastructure across the Gulf region.
On Thursday, Iranian officials reiterated their stance, warning that operations would continue until the US and Israel face what they described as “permanent regret and surrender.” The statement was attributed to a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Military Headquarters and reported by Tasnim News Agency.
The latest escalation underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict, as both sides signal readiness for continued confrontation while leaving the door open for potential diplomatic engagement.
