President Donald Trump said the United States will hit Iran “very hard over the next week,” announcing further escalation just after issuing a partial 30-day waiver for purchases of sanctioned Russian oil. The Trump Iran strikes pledge came in a Fox News interview aired Friday, as the two-week-old conflict continues spreading across the Middle East. Trump also promised to guarantee vessel safety in the Strait of Hormuz “if we needed to,” though Iranian attacks on shipping have already disrupted global energy supplies.
The Russian oil waiver allows countries to buy crude and petroleum products already at sea, aiming to ease prices fueled by the war. Benchmark Brent crude eased about 0.6 percent to around $99.80 following the announcement, though prices remain up almost 40 percent since the conflict began. The Trump Iran strikes warning suggests further military action despite efforts to calm energy markets through sanctions relief.
Conflict Expands Across Region
Nearly two weeks of war have killed approximately 2,000 people, most in Iran but many also in Lebanon and a growing number in Gulf states. Several million people have fled their homes as fighting spreads. Israeli warplanes continue pounding Beirut’s suburbs, with Lebanon’s interior minister saying authorities cannot accommodate hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in the capital. The Trump Iran strikes threat adds to regional instability.
Israel dropped leaflets threatening Gaza-scale devastation as it deployed more troops against Iran-backed Hezbollah. The Israeli military said its air force struck more than 200 targets across western and central Iran over the past day, including ballistic missile launchers, air defense systems, and weapons production sites. Iranian forces fired more missiles and drones at Israel, with reports of drones flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman.
US Casualties Confirmed
The US military confirmed all six crew members aboard a refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq are dead. French President Emmanuel Macron reported one French soldier killed and several wounded during an attack in northern Iraq, hours after an Italian base in the same area was attacked. The Trump Iran strikes escalation raises risks of further American casualties as operations intensify.
US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth claimed Iranian leaders are “cowering” underground, but Iranian officials appeared publicly in defiance. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and security chief Ali Larijani all attended Quds Day rallies in Tehran. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei told marchers: “People are not afraid of these attacks. We will not back down in any way.”
Russian Oil Waiver Controversy
The US waiver allowing Russian oil purchases drew sharp criticism from Ukraine and European allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a press conference in Norway that six G7 members expressed clear opposition. “We then learned this morning that the American government has apparently decided otherwise,” Merz said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy estimated the move could provide Russia with $10 billion. “It certainly does not help peace,” he stated.
Trump acknowledged in the Fox interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be helping Iran “a little bit.” The Washington Post reported Russia is providing Iran with targeting information including locations of US warships and aircraft in the Middle East. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff later said Russia denied doing so, and “we can take them at their word.” The Trump Iran strikes warning comes amid this complex geopolitical backdrop.
New Supreme Leader Statement
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public comments Thursday, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut. He urged neighboring countries to close US bases on their territory or risk attack. Khamenei’s comments were read by a television presenter rather than delivered in person. Hegseth claimed Khamenei is “wounded and likely disfigured.” An Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Khamenei was lightly injured but continuing to work.
The Trump Iran strikes threat directly challenges Khamenei’s assertion that the Strait will remain closed. Approximately one-fifth of world oil passes through this chokepoint daily. Previous Iranian attacks on shipping have already disrupted global trade and driven up energy prices.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Lebanon faces unprecedented displacement as Israeli strikes target Beirut suburbs. Hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in the capital with inadequate accommodation. The Trump Iran strikes escalation will likely generate additional civilian displacement across multiple countries. Iranian state media reported a woman killed by an airstrike near a Tehran rally, adding to mounting civilian casualties.
The International Energy Agency declared the war is creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history. India faces critical cooking gas shortages despite Iran allowing two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Global energy markets remain volatile as traders assess risks of further escalation.
Allied Reactions
European allies expressed anger at the Russian oil waiver, which undermines sanctions pressure on Moscow. The Trump Iran strikes warning adds another complication to transatlantic coordination. France, Germany, and other partners have provided varying levels of support for the military campaign while seeking to contain economic fallout.
Israel continues pressing its offensive against Iranian targets and Hezbollah positions. The Israeli military reported striking more than 200 targets across Iran, demonstrating reach and capability. The Trump Iran strikes pledge suggests US forces will join or support expanded operations rather than winding down.
Uncertain Trajectory
Trump’s conflicting statements about war duration have whipsawed oil markets. He previously declared the conflict “complete” while also promising to continue fighting. The Trump Iran strikes warning indicates active combat will persist at least through coming weeks. Whether operations expand further or eventually de-escalate remains unclear.
Iranian leadership shows no signs of backing down despite sustained attacks. Public appearances by top officials project defiance and continuity. The Trump Iran strikes threat may harden rather than soften Iranian resolve. Regional stability hangs in the balance as the conflict enters its third week with no end in sight.
