US President Donald Trump has issued varied statements regarding the US-Iran conflict, at times hinting at its imminent end and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while also threatening "total obliteration" and the destruction of Iran's water purification and power facilities if a swift agreement is not reached. He criticized allies like Britain and France for not supporting military actions, suggesting they secure their own oil supplies. In response, Iran warned it would target US tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Tesla, and proposed charging fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, simultaneously rejecting US peace proposals. Amidst these developments, global crude oil prices saw significant drops following Trump's remarks about de-escalation, while Yemen's Ansarullah movement offered support to Iran, threatening the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Trump also claimed Iran had provided 10 oil tankers to the United States as a gesture of goodwill.
The US-Iran conflict has now entered its fifth week, with US President Donald Trump reiterating his desire to end military operations. He stated that the United States could conclude its attacks within two to three weeks, emphasizing that Tehran does not need to make a deal as a prerequisite for de-escalation. Trump also claimed that Iran is losing the war and is now begging for a deal, adding that the US would end the conflict once Iran is guaranteed not to develop a nuclear weapon.
In a significant development, US media reported that the United States dropped 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on a large Iranian weapons depot in Isfahan. While Iran's state media confirmed attacks on 'military bases' in central Iran, they refrained from specifying locations. Furthermore, reports indicate that additional British troops are being deployed for defensive actions against potential Iranian attacks.
In a new development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country is willing to cease fighting if it receives guarantees against future attacks. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran has never sought war and possesses the resolve to end the conflict under the necessary conditions to prevent a recurrence of aggression.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has further threatened to target American tech firms, including Microsoft, Meta, IBM, HP, Intel, Boeing, and JP Morgan, in addition to previously mentioned companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla. The IRGC specified that these firms would become legitimate targets if more Iranian leaders are killed, citing their alleged involvement in designing and tracking assassination targets through ICT and AI companies.
Pope Leo has made a rare direct appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to find an "off-ramp" to end the ongoing war with Iran and to decrease the amount of violence.
President Trump reiterated his criticism of allies, telling countries concerned about high fuel prices to "go get your own oil" and explicitly stating that it is not America's responsibility to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the US "will not have anything to do with" what happens in the vital waterway after its military offensive concludes, placing the burden of its security on nations that rely on it.
In a notable move, Italy has blocked US warplanes from using the American air base in Sigonella, Sicily, for transit to the Middle East. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that permission was denied because Washington had not sought proper authorization and Italy’s military leadership was not consulted, as required by treaties.
Further reports indicate that France, Italy, and Spain have refused to provide support or airspace for United States military operations against Iran. President Trump reportedly criticized these NATO allies, calling them "cowards" for not offering their assistance in the month-long conflict. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump is scheduled to deliver an "Address to the Nation" on Wednesday, April 1, at 9 PM ET, to provide an important update on the ongoing war with Iran.