Washington, Apr 2 — Donald Trump warned Iran of “extremely hard” strikes over the next two to three weeks if no peace deal is reached, even as he claimed that US military objectives in the ongoing conflict are nearing completion.
In an address to the nation, Trump said, “We are on track to complete all military objectives shortly. Very shortly. We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.”
He added that operations would continue until US objectives are fully achieved. “If there is no deal, we are going to hit every one of their electric generating plants—very hard and probably simultaneously,” he said.
Trump also signalled that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not an immediate US military goal, suggesting countries dependent on oil flows should take responsibility. “Countries that need oil can go and open [the Strait],” he said.
The remarks come hours after Trump claimed Iran had sought a ceasefire, a statement denied by Tehran.
Meanwhile, hostilities continued across the region. Iran fired missiles towards Israel following the address, with Israeli media reporting interceptions and no casualties.
Strikes by US-Israeli forces in Iran reportedly killed nine people in Larestan and Mianeh, with damage reported to airports and port infrastructure.
Regional tensions also spilled into Gulf states, where Kuwait reported a fire at fuel storage tanks at its main airport following an alleged Iranian drone strike, while Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE said they intercepted missiles and drones.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country has “no hostility” towards the people of the US, Europe or neighbouring countries.
Financial markets reacted sharply to the escalation. China’s Shanghai Composite index fell 0.53 per cent and the CSI300 index dropped 0.74 per cent by midday trade.