Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes

Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes

Israel came under missile fire from Iran on Thursday following a stern warning from US President Donald Trump, who said Washington could bomb Iran into the “Stone Ages” with heavy strikes over the next two to three weeks.

Speaking from the White House, Trump sought to reassure Americans that the military campaign launched on February 28, 2026, was nearing completion. He said, “Thanks to the progress we’ve made, we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly.” He added that, over the coming weeks, U.S. forces would target key Iranian sites, including electric generating plants and critical infrastructure, unless Tehran agreed to his conditions.

Trump also indicated that negotiations might be possible with Iran’s new leadership, describing them as “less radical and much more reasonable” than their predecessor. Despite this, Iran rejected U.S. ceasefire overtures, calling the demands “maximalist and irrational,” with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirming that no direct talks were taking place.

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Following Trump’s address, the Israeli military reported four missile barrages within six hours, with air raid sirens sounding across northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israeli defenses actively intercepted incoming missiles, while the Revolutionary Guards confirmed targeting an oil tanker in the Gulf, allegedly Israeli-owned, which sustained damage but caused no casualties.

The escalation also involved Iran-backed groups in the region. Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel, while Israel struck back in Lebanon, killing several militants, including a top commander. Authorities say over 1,300 people have died in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Iran-backed forces erupted on March 2, 2026.

Meanwhile, energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude rising more than 4% to over $105 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reaching around $103 per barrel, due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil normally passes. Britain hosted a virtual meeting of 35 countries to explore reopening the strait, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing freedom of navigation.

In Tehran, Iranians expressed defiance amid the funeral of a Revolutionary Guards naval commander killed in Israeli strikes. Pro-government citizens vowed continued resistance. “This war has lasted a month. However long it takes, we will continue,” said Moussa Nowruzi, a 57-year-old pensioner.

Trump reassured regional allies — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — that the U.S. would protect them from Iranian retaliatory fire. The conflict remains highly volatile, with analysts warning that further missile exchanges and regional flare-ups are likely if diplomatic solutions are not achieved soon.

Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes