With the US-Iran-Israel conflict entering its second month on April 2, both Washington and Tehran have raised the temperature again – President Donald Trump with a new threat of deeper strikes, and Iran with a mix of public defiance, diplomatic signalling and symbolic calls for national resolve.
In separate messages on Wednesday (local time), Trump warned that Iran could be pushed “back to the Stone Age” if no deal is reached, while Iran’s leadership said the country was ready for any form of attack and continued to reject the idea that pressure would force surrender.
Even as the rhetoric sharpened, Tehran also tried to shape a broader political message. Iran’s president said the Iranian people hold no hostility towards Americans, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged citizens to plant saplings in memory of those killed in the war and as a sign of hope, recovery and resistance.
Live updates
G7 and GCC to discuss Strait of Hormuz
The Group of Seven (G7) will hold a meeting next week with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, France’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said the talks will focus on developments in the key waterway, which is vital for global oil shipments. France, which currently holds the G7 presidency, is leading the initiative to bring both groups together for the discussion.
Sirens sounded across northern Israel after rockets launched from Lebanon
Israeli army radio said alerts were sounded in many parts of the Upper Galilee, including Rosh Hanikra, Shlomi, and nearby areas in the Western Galilee. The rockets were reported to have targeted these locations.
Major Iranian steel plants shut after US-Israeli attacks
Two of Iran’s largest steel-producing plants have stopped operations after a series of attacks by the United States and Israel. Khuzestan Steel Company, based in Ahvaz, and Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan said the strikes forced them to halt production.
Mobarakeh Steel stated that its production lines have completely shut down due to the intensity of the attacks. Meanwhile, a senior official at Khuzestan Steel, Mehran Pakbin, said the company does not expect to restart its affected units for at least six months, according to Iran’s Mizan Online.
Iran says war will continue until its objectives are achieved
The army chief said Iran would not step back until its strategic goals are met.
“We will not let go of our enemies until we achieve the outlined objectives,” he said.
Iran says war will continue until its objectives are achieved
The army chief said Iran would not step back until its strategic goals are met.
“We will not let go of our enemies until we achieve the outlined objectives,” he said.
Tehran signals full readiness for offensive and defensive action
Hatami said Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared across both offensive and defensive fronts to counter any aggression.
He stressed the need for constant surveillance of enemy movements and said response plans would be executed “at the appropriate time”.
Iran Army chief warns: ‘Not a single one will escape’ in ground invasion
Iran’s Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami has issued one of the strongest warnings yet, saying any ground offensive against Iran would be met with lethal force.
“If the enemy undertakes a ground operation, not a single one should escape with their life,” he said, as quoted by Fars News Agency.
35 nations back UK-led push for maritime security
The UK has brought together 35 countries around a joint statement aimed at securing shipping routes in the Gulf.
Officials said the effort will focus on restoring safe passage for vessels, protecting seafarers and stabilising global supply chains.
UK pushes diplomatic push to reopen Hormuz
Starmer said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is key to easing cost-of-living pressures, calling it a “vital route for energy”.
He added that Britain is exploring “every diplomatic avenue” and will host a meeting of international partners to coordinate maritime security efforts.
UK says conflict will impact future, but won’t enter war
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Iran conflict would “affect the future” of Britain but stressed that London would not be drawn into the war.
“This is not our war… that is not in our national interest,” he said, while acknowledging economic pressures from rising energy costs.
EU flags risk to global stability, pushes for Hormuz reopening
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that escalating tensions involving Iran are putting global economic stability at risk.
“Iran's actions are putting global economic stability at risk,” she said after a call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding that partners are working to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran vows retaliation for ‘aggression’
Iran accused the US of initiating the conflict and said it would continue responding militarily.
“You must pay for the aggression you started,” the statement said, signalling no immediate de-escalation.
Iran warns war will continue until US ‘surrenders’
In a sharp escalation, Iran said the conflict would continue until Washington faces “permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender”.
“Expect more crushing and devastating strikes,” the spokesperson warned.
Tehran says US ‘knows nothing’ of its capabilities
The spokesperson said the US is unaware of Iran’s “vast strategic capabilities”, including missile production and advanced defence systems.
“The sites you think you hit are insignificant… you will never reach our real capabilities,” the statement said.
Iran rejects US claims of military damage
Iran’s military has dismissed US claims that its capabilities have been significantly weakened.
A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said Washington’s intelligence on Iran’s military strength is “incomplete”.
Brazil hit by oil shock as Hormuz disruption continues
Lula said Brazil is facing rising diesel prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The government has cut fuel taxes and increased market oversight to cushion the impact on low-income citizens.
Lula says wars built on ‘pretexts’, urges UN reflection
Lula said Washington has repeatedly used false claims to justify wars, arguing that conflict has “never solved anything”.
He called on the UN Security Council to reflect on the situation, warning that the crisis is already pushing up fuel prices and economic pressure globally.
Brazil’s Lula calls US action ‘unnecessary war’
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticised the United States, calling its military action against Iran an “unnecessary war”.
“The United States got involved… claiming Iran had nuclear weapons. That’s a lie!” Lula said, drawing parallels with the Iraq war.
Investors brace for volatility, inflation risks rise
Analysts said markets are likely to remain event-driven, with crude prices, geopolitical developments and foreign investment flows driving sentiment.
The broader concern remains inflation and slower global growth if disruptions continue.
Global markets turn volatile after Trump warning
Asian markets also slipped, with indices like Nikkei, Hang Seng and KOSPI falling sharply.
In South Korea, stocks dropped more than 3 per cent after Trump warned of hitting Iran “extremely hard” in the coming weeks.
Oil prices jump as conflict deepens
Brent crude rose over 5 per cent to cross $106 per barrel, while US WTI climbed above $104.
The surge reflects concerns over supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian markets fall over 1% amid fresh escalation fears
Indian equity markets opened sharply lower, with the Sensex dropping over 800 points and the Nifty falling more than 1 per cent.
The decline followed renewed uncertainty after Trump’s latest remarks failed to outline a clear path to de-escalation.
Israel issues safety alerts as interceptions underway
The IDF said alerts were sent to residents, instructing them to move to protected spaces and follow safety protocols until further notice.
The exchange highlights continuing retaliation even as both sides claim strategic gains.
Iran launches missile barrages towards Haifa
Iran has launched multiple missiles targeting Israel’s northern port city of Haifa, according to Iranian state media.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the launches, saying air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats.
Hormuz traffic drops sharply, global trade at risk
UNCTAD has warned that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen by about 95 per cent over the past month.
The agency said this could cut global trade growth and fuel inflation through rising oil prices.
UN warns of wider regional strain, Lebanon and Gaza under pressure
Humanitarian needs are also rising in Lebanon, where funding remains far below requirements, and in Gaza, where aid operations continue under severe constraints.
UN agencies said access limitations, displacement and continued strikes are compounding the crisis across multiple fronts.
Over 115,000 civilian structures hit; aid needs rising
Iran’s Red Crescent said over 115,000 buildings, including homes, schools and commercial sites, have been affected.
More than 700 educational institutions have reportedly suffered damage, while aid agencies continue to operate in over 1,200 impacted areas.
UN says strikes damaging civilian infrastructure across Iran
UN humanitarian agencies have said airstrikes have severely impacted civilian infrastructure in Iran, worsening the humanitarian situation.
According to OCHA, more than 300 health facilities and dozens of ambulances have been damaged, with hospitals evacuated and power outages reported in multiple regions.
Global agencies flag ‘major disruption’ to energy markets
The International Energy Agency, IMF and World Bank have agreed to form a coordination group to respond to the economic fallout of the conflict.
In a joint statement, they said the war has triggered “one of the largest supply shortages in global energy market history” and is pushing up oil, gas and fertiliser prices.
They warned the impact is global and uneven, hitting energy-importing and low-income countries the hardest.
Iran consulate in Mumbai hits back at ‘Stone Age’ remark
The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai has criticised US rhetoric after President Donald Trump warned of taking Iran “back to the Stone Age”.
In a post on X, the consulate said civilisations like Iran’s, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire, “don’t really do ‘again.’ They just are,” questioning Washington’s shifting narrative.
US says it is ‘on the cusp’ of ending Iran’s threat
Trump said Washington is close to eliminating what he described as Iran’s “sinister threat” to the US and the world.
He added that military operations would continue until all objectives are fully achieved.
‘Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons,’ says Trump
Reiterating Washington’s long-standing position, Trump said the conflict reinforces concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“This is yet more proof that Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons,” he said, warning of long-term instability if Tehran acquires them.
Trump blames Iran for fuel price spike in US
Addressing domestic concerns, Trump linked rising fuel prices to Iranian attacks on oil tankers and neighbouring countries.
“This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks,” he said, attributing the spike to disruptions in energy supply.
Trump thanks West Asia allies, assures continued US support
US President Donald Trump has thanked key regional partners, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain, for their role amid the ongoing conflict.
“They've been great, and we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way,” Trump said in his address from the White House.
Schumer pushes back, says Senate won’t allow NATO exit
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the US would not abandon its allies, stressing that Congress would block any attempt to withdraw from NATO.
He also pointed to existing legislation requiring Senate approval for any such move.
Rubio now questions NATO’s utility during Iran conflict
Rubio has since said the alliance is beginning to look like a “one-way street”, pointing to reluctance among some European nations to support US military operations against Iran.
Countries including Italy and Spain have reportedly denied access to facilities for US aircraft, while others have imposed airspace restrictions.
Old Rubio post on NATO powers resurfaces amid Trump remarks
A 2023 social media post by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has resurfaced after President Trump suggested he may re-evaluate America’s role in NATO following the Iran conflict.
In the post, Rubio had argued that no US president should be able to withdraw from NATO without Senate approval.
Bisaria says India has peace-making potential, but not Pakistan’s role
Bisaria said India has strong relations across the conflict and has the potential to play a constructive peace-promoting role.
But he added that India should not play the kind of role Pakistan is now trying to claim, and not at this stage of the crisis.
He also pointed to Araghchi’s recent remarks that he had directly exchanged messages with Steve Witkoff, with no mention of Pakistan in that channel.
Ajay Bisaria says Pakistan is being used as a messenger
Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria said Pakistan appears to have been chosen as a channel for another US attempt to keep communication open with Iran.
He said no real peace talks could yet be said to be underway, but that Washington needed dependable intermediaries at a moment when both sides had put forward maximalist positions in public.
Bisaria also argued that Oman, frustrated by earlier diplomatic manoeuvres, had stepped back.
Senior Iranian adviser injured in strike on Tehran home
Kamal Kharazi, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, was injured in a US-Israeli strike on Tehran, according to reports cited by CNN and Iranian media.
Mehr News Agency said he was hurt in a bombing of residential homes in the capital, though details of his condition were not disclosed.
The development adds to signs that senior Iranian figures remain directly exposed even as the conflict enters a new phase.
Feferman says war has shifted into degrading Iran’s capabilities
According to Feferman, once it became clear that the strikes would not topple the Iranian regime, the campaign shifted into a war focused on degrading military capacity.
He rejected suggestions that Iran’s continuing missile launches reflected a strategic miscalculation by Washington or Tel Aviv, saying Tehran had spent decades building that capability.
Former Israeli intelligence officer says Iran fired multiple barrages at central Israel
Maj. (Retd) Dan Feferman, a former IDF intelligence officer, said Iran launched four to five separate missile barrages at central Israel on Wednesday morning.
He said Tehran was trying to prove it remained in the fight and could continue applying pressure on Israel, the United States and Gulf Arab countries.
He also argued that the US and Israel appear to believe they have already achieved most of what they can militarily.
Iran warns against ground attack
Araghchi dismissed the likelihood of a US ground invasion but said Iran was fully prepared if such a move came.
He said he did not believe Washington would dare launch that kind of operation, but added that if it did, strong resistance was waiting.
Iran says Strait of Hormuz remains open to most nations
Araghchi also said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to most countries, but closed to ships belonging to states at war with Iran.
He described that position as a lawful wartime measure and said Iran and Oman should remain central to any post-war arrangement governing the waterway.
Araghchi says direct messages from US envoy do not mean negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had received direct messages from Steve Witkoff, Washington’s special envoy, but rejected the idea that this meant formal talks were underway.
He said there was “no truth” to claims of negotiations with any party in Iran and repeated that Tehran had zero trust in the United States after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Iran says it has received messages through intermediaries
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tehran had received messages through intermediaries and was reviewing them.
But officials stressed that the country’s priority remained defending itself against aggression, and said Iran was ready for any type of attack, including a ground assault.
The remarks suggested that channels of communication still exist, even if both sides continue to publicly deny meaningful negotiations.
Pezeshkian says attacks on energy infrastructure are ‘war crimes’
Pezeshkian also responded to Trump’s threat of major strikes on Iranian energy facilities, saying such attacks would directly target civilians and amount to war crimes.
He warned that any strike on vital infrastructure would have consequences beyond Iran’s borders and said the world was standing at a crossroads between confrontation and engagement.
He also questioned whether “America First” remained a real priority for the US government.
Iran’s president says people have ‘no enmity’ towards Americans
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an open letter addressed to the American people, said Iranians hold no hostility towards ordinary Americans.
He said the Iranian people distinguish between governments and the people they govern, and argued that Iran had not chosen aggression or domination in its modern history.
Pezeshkian accused the US administration of entering the war as a “proxy for Israel”.
Khamenei says enemy targeted Iran’s nature and future
In his message, Khamenei praised Iranians for what he described as heroism in the war and accused the US and Israel of brutal conduct.
He said the attacks had also damaged the country’s natural and environmental spaces and argued that development and rebuilding were now acts of national importance.
He also referred to young victims killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Minab, describing the children as “young saplings”.
Iran’s Supreme Leader urges sapling drive in honour of war dead
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on people across the country to plant saplings in memory of those killed in the US-Israeli strikes.
In a message marking the anniversary of the Islamic Republic and ahead of Nature Day, he said the drive should continue from April 2 until the end of spring.
He framed the initiative as both a tribute to the dead and a national response to enemies who, he said, had attacked not just people but also Iran’s land and environment.
‘Regime change was never our goal,’ says Trump
Trump said regime change had not been the formal objective of the campaign, but claimed that a leadership shift had effectively taken place because Iran’s original leaders were dead.
He also said the new group in place was “less radical”, while warning that Washington remained ready to intensify military pressure if Tehran did not agree to terms.
Trump says campaign is nearing completion
In his first major national address since the fighting began in late February, Trump described the US military campaign as swift and decisive.
He said “Operation Epic Fury” had delivered major battlefield gains and argued that the mission to dismantle Iran’s military capacity and deny it any path to a nuclear weapon was nearing completion.
At the same time, he made it clear that this did not mean strikes were over.
Trump blames Iran for rising fuel prices
Trump linked recent increases in petrol prices to what he called Iranian attacks on commercial tankers and neighbouring countries.
He said the spike in energy costs was “entirely the result” of Tehran’s actions and used the disruption to argue again that Iran could never be trusted with nuclear weapons.
He also claimed the US, backed by domestic production and supplies from elsewhere, was strong enough to absorb the shock.
US President tells oil-dependent nations: Protect Hormuz yourselves
In the same address, Trump said countries dependent on Middle East oil should shoulder more responsibility for protecting the Strait of Hormuz.
He said those nations should have acted earlier and urged them to “go to the strait and just take it, protect it”.
Trump also told energy-importing countries to buy oil from the United States and said America no longer needed Middle East oil in the way it once did.
Trump threatens electric grid, says US can hit harder if there is no deal
Trump said the United States had not yet targeted Iran’s oil sector in full, but made clear that key infrastructure remained in Washington’s sights.
He said that if no diplomatic agreement emerged soon, the US could hit Iran’s electric generating plants “very hard, and probably simultaneously”.
The President also said the campaign would continue until American objectives were achieved.
Trump says Iran could be taken ‘back to the Stone Age’ within weeks
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that American forces could “bring them back to the Stone Ages” in the coming weeks if no agreement is reached.
In a televised address, Trump said Iran’s military had been badly damaged after a month of strikes and claimed the country’s navy was gone, its air force was in ruins, and its missile and drone capacity had been sharply reduced.
He said Washington’s strategic goals were close to being met, but warned that more attacks could follow if talks failed.