President Donald Trump vows intense strikes as Iran war heads into third week

President Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric and military actions as the US-Israeli war with Iran approaches its third week.

“Trump vows intense strikes as Iran war heads into third week President Donald Trump said in an interview aired Friday that American forces would strike Iranian targets "very hard" in the coming days, signaling an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign as the war in the Middle East approaches its third week”

AL-Monitor

Trump vowed to hit Iranian targets 'very hard' in the coming days during an interview with Fox News Radio.

AL-Monitor

The conflict began on February 28 with strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

This has developed into a widening regional war that has rattled global energy markets.

Trump stated 'We're going to be hitting them very hard over the next week.'

The president suggested Iran's leadership could eventually be toppled by its own people.

He acknowledged this would be 'a big hurdle to climb for people that don't have weapons.'

This referred to Iran's paramilitary Basij force which has crushed recent protests.

The United States has launched major airstrikes on Iran's strategic Kharg Island.

Kharg Island is a vital oil hub that handles the majority of Iran's crude oil exports.

AP News

President Trump confirmed these strikes in a social media post.

He described them as one of the most powerful bombing operations in the region.

The strikes destroyed key military facilities linked to Iran's defense infrastructure.

Trump deliberately avoided attacking oil infrastructure on the island.

He stated this decision was made 'for reasons of decency.'

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that attacks would cause Iran to 'abandon all restraint.'

The regional conflict has intensified significantly with Iran launching fresh waves of drone and missile attacks.

“Live updates: Trump threatens Iran’s oil infrastructure after US bombs Kharg Island military sites Major developments we’re following: - In a major troop increase, the U”

Associated Press News

These attacks targeted Israel and several Gulf countries following the US strikes.

Explosions were reported in Tehran late Friday as new airstrikes hit the city.

Iranian state media confirmed missiles were launched toward Israeli territory.

Missile alerts were reported in Qatar where air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting dozens of drones.

Turkish authorities said NATO defense systems shot down a ballistic missile from Iran.

The conflict has spread into Lebanon where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues.

The ongoing conflict has had a major impact on global energy markets.

Oil prices have surged dramatically as investors worry about supply disruptions.

CNN

Brent crude prices have reportedly increased by more than 40 percent since the conflict escalated.

Global crude prices have risen above $100 per barrel.

The Strait of Hormuz has seen maritime traffic slow dramatically.

Nearly 20 percent of global oil and LNG shipments pass through this strait.

President Trump indicated the US Navy would soon escort commercial tankers.

Iranian officials are considering allowing limited tankers if oil is traded in Chinese yuan.

The conflict has caused significant human suffering and displacement.

“• Critical island hit: President Donald Trump said Friday night the US “totally obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports”

CNN

Heavy civilian casualties have been reported in both Lebanon and Iran.

Reuters

A Lebanese primary healthcare center airstrike killed at least 12 medical workers.

Over 100 children are among 773 people killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

In Iran, authorities report more than 1,200 people have been killed.

Independent verification is difficult due to internet restrictions.

The UN estimates up to 3.2 million displaced inside Iran.

13 US military personnel have died including 6 in a refueling plane crash.

The political situation in Iran remains uncertain after Ali Khamenei's death.

His son Mojtaba Khamenei was named new supreme leader but hasn't appeared publicly.

He is reportedly injured and the US offered $10 million reward for his whereabouts.

Iranian authorities held pro-government rallies to show government control.

Demonstrators waved banners criticizing US and Israel.

The US is strengthening military presence in the region.

The USS Tripoli with 2,500 Marines has been deployed.

Over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck in Iran since the war began.