President Donald Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address on the war in Iran, his first since launching strikes with Israel over a month ago. The speech comes amid rising oil prices, growing domestic dissent, and escalating regional violence.
Trump has alternated between threats of escalation and vague timelines, claiming operations will conclude in two to three weeks. He demanded Iran cease blocking the Strait of Hormuz, warning he would bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages"-while also refusing to safeguard shipping lanes.
Iran dismissed Trump’s claims that its president sought a ceasefire as "false and baseless." Tehran’s foreign minister affirmed Iran’s resolve to defend itself, rejecting U.S. ultimatums and asserting zero trust in negotiations.
Since February 28, Iran has launched over 20 attacks on Gulf shipping, including a cruise missile strike on an oil tanker off Qatar and a drone attack at Kuwait International Airport. In Iran, over 1,900 have been killed; 19 in Israel, 13 U.S. service members have died.
The U.S. has presented a 15-point ceasefire plan demanding Iran halt nuclear enrichment and reopen the Strait. Iran insists on sovereignty over the waterway and rejects any nuclear rollback.
Additional U.S. troops are mobilizing for a possible ground incursion-potentially targeting Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub or uranium stockpiles. Analysts warn such moves carry extreme risk.
