Washington: President Donald Trump indicated a continued aggressive military campaign against Iran during a widely watched prime-time address to the nation on Thursday. He declared that US forces would deliver “extremely hard” blows over the next two to three weeks, while claiming core strategic objectives were nearing completion.
Decisive Victories in Operation Epic Fury
Nuclear Threat ‘Neutralised’
The US President asserted that Iran’s nuclear threat had been neutralised and that Washington’s actions against the Islamic Republic were “on the cusp” of ending what he described as Tehran’s “sinister threat” to the US and the world. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong,” he stated, echoing earlier remarks and underscoring a hardline stance amid ongoing strikes.
No Details on Endgame or Deal
The US president, however, did not provide specifics on how the war would actually end or what kind of deal he is seeking with Iran. “We are gonna finish the job. We are getting very close,” he said.
Warnings of Escalation and Regime Change
Trump suggested the war could escalate if Iranian leaders did not accept US terms during negotiations, raising the possibility of strikes on Iran’s energy and oil infrastructure. “Regime change has occurred because of all of their leaders’ deaths. Yet if there is no deal, we are going to hit each of their electric generating plants. We are unstoppable as a military force. We have all the cards, they have none.”
Comparisons to Past US Wars
Drawing comparisons to previous US military engagements, Trump highlighted how earlier conflicts had dragged on for years or decades, while the current operation in Iran had lasted just over a month.”American involvement in World War I lasted one year, seven months, and five days. World War II lasted three years, eight months, and 25 days. The Korean War lasted three years, one month, and two days. The Vietnam War continued for 19 years, five months, and 29 days. The Iraq War went on for eight years, eight months, and 28 days. We have been in this operation for only 32 days, and Iran has already been eviscerated — it is essentially no longer a threat.”
Hands-Off Approach to Strait of Hormuz
With oil markets volatile and midterm political considerations in view, Trump declined to commit US forces to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, instead urging impacted nations to “seize” their own oil supplies.”This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the deranged Iranian regime. We are the number one producer of oil and gas on the planet. We produce more than Saudi Arabia and Russia combined. US imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait. We haven’t needed it, and we don’t need it. Buy oil from the United States of America. We have so much. The countries of the world that do receive oil through the pass — they must protect the strait. Build up some delayed courage. Go to the Strait and just take it. Use it for yourself.”
Praise for Middle East Allies
Trump expressed gratitude to America’s Middle East allies, including Israel and the Gulf states, and pledged to protect them from any threats posed by Iran or other adversaries. “I want to thank our allies in the Middle East — Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. They have been outstanding partners, and we will not allow them to be harmed or let them down in any way, shape, or form,” he said.
Markets React Negatively
The address came as markets had anticipated more concrete signals of de-escalation, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments that Iran has disrupted. Instead, Trump’s rhetoric left investors deflated. Stocks fell sharply on Thursday, oil prices surged—with Brent crude jumping around 5% toward $106 per barrel—and risk assets broadly weakened as hopes for a quick end to the conflict faded.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict, which escalated in late February or early March 2026, has involved extensive US and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, nuclear-related facilities, and proxy networks. Trump has touted successes such as bunker-buster bombings on ammunition depots and the crippling of Iran’s missile arsenal, while warning of further action if Tehran does not comply with demands, including reopening key waterways.Iran has responded defiantly, rejecting certain negotiation overtures and continuing asymmetric actions.
