On Thursday (2 April), Iran warned of “crushing” attacks against the United States and Israel after US President Donald Trump said Washington would intensify its campaign if no agreement is reached.
In a prime-time White House address on Wednesday (1 April), Trump said the US was "very close" to achieving its objectives but warned attacks would intensify if Iran did not reach a negotiated settlement.
"Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong," said Trump in a 19-minute speech delivered in front of American flags.
Iran responded with missile fire towards Tel Aviv, with Israeli authorities reporting “several” impact sites and light injuries. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya command said the war would continue and promised broader and more destructive operations.
The conflict has entered its second month and is widening. In Lebanon, exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah continue. Gulf states and European powers are discussing responses linked to the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump reiterated calls for negotiations, and said countries reliant on Gulf energy should take greater responsibility for securing shipping routes.
Trump has recently raised the possibility of a deal to end the war, which has pushed down his approval ratings.
He said talks could be possible with Iran's new leadership, which he described as "less radical and much more reasonable" than their predecessors.
Tehran has described US demands to end the conflict as "maximalist and irrational".
Source: commonspace.eu with Agence France-Presse
