Capitals, Apr. 2 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would expand military operations against Iran in the coming weeks, warning in a televised address on Wednesday that upcoming strikes would be “extremely severe” and could push Iran back to the “Stone Age.”
Trump said most of Iran’s conventional military capabilities had been destroyed and remaining targets “will be easy,” claiming the nuclear program had been eliminated and warning that any attempt to revive it would trigger further missile strikes.
The escalation comes as representatives from about 36 countries meet Thursday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing shipping, while the conflict — now in its 34th day — continues to expand across the region.
U.S. Central Command said it has targeted more than 12,300 sites inside Iran since operations began, while the Israeli military reported striking more than 4,000 additional targets, including facilities linked to missiles, drones and air defense systems. Strikes continued in recent hours in Tehran, Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Shiraz and Qeshm Island, according to military statements.
Iran responded with continued missile attacks on Israel, with strikes reported in the north and around Tel Aviv. The Israeli military said most were intercepted, with limited injuries and damage.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes and shelling hit areas in the south, causing casualties and damage, while Hezbollah said it launched missile and drone attacks toward northern Israel without reported injuries. The Lebanese Health Ministry said the death toll since March 2 has reached 1,318 killed and 3,935 injured.
In Iraq, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned of possible attacks by armed groups in the coming hours and urged American citizens to leave the country, following reported strikes on a unit in Nineveh province.
Several Gulf states said they intercepted missiles and drones targeting their territory and energy facilities, condemning the attacks as violations of sovereignty.
Trump also signaled pressure on European allies, threatening to halt arms supplies to Ukraine unless they contribute to securing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices rose more than 4% amid concerns over supply disruptions through the strait, while gold declined after earlier gains. U.S. petroleum exports reached about 3.11 million barrels per day in March, driven by increased global demand.
