Tehran struck as war intensifies ahead of Trump’s national address

Israel carried out a large-scale strike on Tehran on Wednesday, escalating its ongoing conflict with Iran just hours before US President Donald Trump is set to speak to the nation.

The war, now in its second month after beginning February 28 with US-Israeli attacks, has widened across the Middle East, rattling global energy supplies and economic stability.

Iranian state media reported explosions across multiple parts of Tehran, describing “attacks on Tehran” in the early hours.

Israel confirmed a “wide-scale wave of strikes” and said it was simultaneously intercepting Iranian missiles, marking the first such exchange in nearly 20 hours.

Trump said the conflict could end in “two weeks, maybe three,” while maintaining a firm stance: “But we’re finishing the job.”

He is expected to deliver “an important update on Iran” later Wednesday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signaled openness to ending the war, provided assurances are in place to prevent future flare-ups.

Tensions rose further as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued threats against US tech giants such as Intel, Tesla, and Palantir, warning of retaliation if more Iranian officials are assassinated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue the campaign, claiming it has neutralized major Iranian threats.

“We had to act, and we acted… We will continue to crush the terror regime,” he said.

The conflict has expanded beyond Iran and Israel. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have joined in, launching missiles and threatening Red Sea shipping lanes.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed seven people in Beirut, while the broader offensive against Hezbollah has left over 1,200 dead and displaced more than a million.

Israel says it has hit approximately 7,000 targets since the war began and killed over 2,000 Iranian troops and commanders.

Iran has retaliated with attacks across the Gulf, including a drone strike that caused a major fire at Kuwait’s airport fuel depot. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also reported incidents involving Iranian drones.

A tanker off Doha was struck, though no casualties were reported.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that “the upcoming days will be decisive,” asserting Iran has limited military options.

The US military released footage showing strikes on underground Iranian targets.

Trump has threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s oil infrastructure if no deal is reached, while Tehran insists no formal negotiations are underway.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said communication channels remain open but do not constitute talks.

Oil prices surged on fears Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz, though Asian stock markets rose on optimism the conflict might soon end.

Trump criticized allied nations unwilling to assist in securing the waterway, saying they would have to “fend for themselves.”

At home, rising fuel prices are drawing public frustration. “That is horrible,” said Jeanne Williams. “I’m just bewildered, confused, unhappy. Because we didn’t ask for the war.”

Trump downplayed the impact, saying: “All I have to do is leave Iran… and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll come tumbling down.”

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