Trump Announces Intensified Strikes on Iran

President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces are planning to intensify strikes on Iran over the next two to three weeks. He claimed that current operations have already met or exceeded expectations and warned that the campaign would hit the country “very hard,” signaling further attacks.

No Shift in Strategy or Negotiation Plans

During a prime-time address on Wednesday regarding Operation Epic Fury, Trump reiterated previous statements and did not address potential negotiations. He also did not revisit his April 6 deadline concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil. The president offered no clear strategy for addressing supply disruptions or stabilizing rising energy costs, nor did he mention deploying U.S. ground troops or collaborating with NATO.

Market Reaction and Rising Gas Prices

Financial markets reacted swiftly to the announcements. Oil prices experienced a surge, with Brent crude exceeding $106 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing above $104. Gas prices in the U.S. have now surpassed $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, raising concerns about the broader economic impact on consumer goods.

Iran Warns Against Ground Invasion

Army Chief Issues Stark Warning

Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami, Iran’s army chief, issued a strong warning against a potential U.S. ground invasion. Speaking on Iranian state television, he stated, “not a single person” would survive if the U.S. military entered the Islamic Republic. He added, “The shadow of war must be lifted from our country and there must be security for everyone, because it is not possible for places to be safe and our people to be unsafe.”

Background on Operation Epic Fury

Trump emphasized that U.S. military forces will “finish the job” in Iran soon and that “core strategic objectives are nearing completion.” He stated, “For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if you’re not willing to take action when the time comes.” He also noted that the situation has been ongoing for 47 years and “should’ve been handled long before I arrived in office.”

Growing Pressure and Public Opinion

The president is facing increasing pressure to resolve the conflict, which is contributing to rising costs for gasoline, food, and other essential goods. Brent crude prices have increased by more than 40% since the start of the conflict. Polling data indicates that many Americans believe the U.S. military has gone too far in Iran, even as more troops are deployed to the region in preparation for a possible ground offensive.

Initial Attacks and Casualties

The United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28. Following the surprise attack, Iran’s supreme leader and a dozen other leaders were killed within days. Thousands of U.S. service members have been sent to the Middle East, and 13 have been killed in action.