Iran on Thursday warned of “crushing” retaliation against the United States and Israel, launching missiles toward Tel Aviv shortly after US President Donald Trump vowed to intensify attacks.
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The conflict, now stretching beyond a month, has expanded across the Middle East, disrupting regional stability and impacting the global economy.
In a televised address from the White House, Trump said the US was close to achieving its military objectives but warned that strikes would escalate if Iran failed to agree to a negotiated settlement.
Iran responded swiftly, with its Khatam Al-Anbiya military command warning of “more destructive actions” against both the US and Israel. Israeli authorities reported multiple missile impacts, with minor injuries recorded in the Tel Aviv area.
The escalation came as Jewish communities marked Passover, with some residents taking shelter underground during the attacks.
Despite signals from Washington suggesting openness to negotiations, Tehran rejected ceasefire proposals, calling US demands “irrational” and confirming that no direct talks were underway.
The war has also widened geographically. In Lebanon, the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward northern Israel following an Israeli strike that killed a senior commander.
Meanwhile, tensions have spread to Gulf states, with air defence systems activated in the United Arab Emirates amid missile and drone threats.
A key flashpoint remains the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. Iran has threatened to keep the passage closed, while the US has made reopening it a central condition for any ceasefire.
The conflict has rattled global markets, driving oil prices higher and triggering volatility in stock markets. China, a major oil importer, blamed the US and Israel for escalating tensions.
Economic repercussions are being felt worldwide, with rising fuel costs, inflation concerns, and disruptions to supply chains affecting countries far beyond the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, uncertainty remains over whether the conflict will escalate further or move toward a negotiated resolution.
