Iran threatened "crushing" and "more destructive" attacks on the United States and Israel Thursday, firing missiles at Tel Aviv hours after President Donald Trump vowed to bomb the Islamic Republic "back to the Stone Ages" in a primetime White House address.
Trump's 19-minute speech Wednesday night marked his first formal address to the nation since launching the Iran war more than a month ago. The president claimed U.S. objectives were "very close" to completion while warning that attacks would intensify without a negotiated settlement.
Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong
Donald Trump, U.S. President — Al-Monitor
Iran's military command center Khatam Al-Anbiya responded immediately with a statement carried on state television, warning Washington and Tel Aviv to expect escalated retaliation. Israeli air defenses activated as missiles struck multiple sites in the Tel Aviv area, with four people reportedly suffering light injuries.
With trust in Almighty God, this war will continue until your humiliation, disgrace, permanent and certain regret, and surrender
Khatam Al-Anbiya statement — Al-Monitor
The attacks coincided with Jewish Israelis celebrating Passover, forcing some celebrations underground. Tehran has dismissed Washington's ceasefire overtures, describing U.S. demands as "maximalist and irrational." Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed messages had been received through intermediaries including Pakistan, but denied direct negotiations with the United States.
Trump warned that without an agreement, Washington had its "eyes on key targets including the country's electric generating plants." The president has recently suggested talks could be possible with Iran's new leadership, which he described as "less radical and much more reasonable" than their predecessors.
Global markets reacted sharply to Trump's speech. European stock futures fell more than 1%, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel as Brent crude jumped nearly 7%. Asian markets also declined, with South Korea's KOSPI closing down 4.5% after triggering trading circuit breakers.
China called for an "immediate" halt to hostilities, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning arguing that "military means cannot fundamentally solve the problem." Beijing blamed U.S. and Israeli operations as the "root cause" of the Strait of Hormuz blockage that has disrupted global energy supplies.
The conflict has spread throughout the Middle East and roiled the global economy, impacting hundreds of millions worldwide. Iran has maintained a 34-day internet blackout, leaving millions isolated as casualty numbers escalate. Strikes have also hit Tehran's century-old Pasteur medical facility, causing extensive damage to the internationally recognized health institution.
Pro-government Iranians voiced defiance at the funeral of a Revolutionary Guards naval commander killed in an Israeli strike. Meanwhile, Lebanese militant group Hezbollah reported launching drones and rockets at northern Israel, opening another front in the expanding conflict.