Iran Continues Offensive Amidst U.S. Warnings

Iran persisted in targeting Gulf countries with ballistic missiles and drones on Thursday, even as the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert regarding potential attacks by Iran-backed militias. This escalation occurs as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran approaches its sixth week.

Trump Addresses the Nation, Promises Decisive Action

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump stated the U.S. is “on the cusp of ending Iran’s sinister threat to America and the world.” In his first formal address to the nation since the war began on February 28th, Trump did not specify a timeline for the conflict’s conclusion. He asserted the U.S. is “on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly.”

“Bring Them Back to the Stone Ages”

President Trump declared, “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.” He also indicated ongoing discussions with Iran, describing its new leaders as “less radical and much more reasonable.”

Iranian Response and U.S. Military Actions

Esmail Baghai, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, responded to Trump’s speech, stating Iran “will not tolerate this vicious cycle of war, negotiations and ceasefire and then repeating the same pattern.” He added, “This is disastrous not only for Iran, but for the entire region and beyond,” and affirmed, “We are defending against an illegal war.”

U.S. Central Command reported striking over 12,300 targets to “dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus.” The military has destroyed or damaged over 155 vessels and targeted command centers, Iranian Revolutionary Guard posts, air defense systems, and weapon production facilities.

Strait of Hormuz and International Concerns

President Trump sought to distance the U.S. from the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping passage. He urged countries reliant on the strait to “take care of that passage. They must cherish it. They must grab it and cherish it.”

International Meeting on Shipping Route

The United Kingdom is hosting a virtual meeting with 35 countries, including Canada, European nations, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, to discuss reopening the shipping route. The U.S. is not scheduled to participate. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for closer ties with Europe regarding defense and security.

Iranian President Appeals to American Public

Just before Trump’s address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the American public, questioning the war’s rationale and accusing the U.S. administration. He defended Iran’s strikes as a “measured response grounded in legitimate self-defense.”

Security Alerts and Regional Attacks

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on Thursday, warning of potential attacks by Iran-backed militias targeting U.S. citizens and infrastructure. U.S. citizens were urged to immediately leave Iraq. This follows the kidnapping of American journalist Shelley Kittleson by the Iranian-aligned militia Kataib Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed four drones and a ballistic missile. Bahrain closed a key highway due to falling debris, and Kuwait reported fires at its international airport’s fuel depots. Israel launched airstrikes in Beirut, and Lebanese Army tanks withdrew as Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon.