Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed the surrender demand made by US President Donald Trump as the conflict escalated into its second week. Following Pezeshkian’s statement, Trump issued a warning of severe consequences for Iran, hinting at broader targets without specifics.
Amidst the ongoing hostilities, the Islamic Republic made an unprecedented apology to neighboring countries, some of which house significant US military installations, in an apparent effort to ease regional tensions caused by Iranian attacks on civilian sites in the Gulf.
Israel launched a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran, involving 80 fighter jets that targeted Tehran’s main airport, causing significant damage to infrastructure. The attack marked one of the largest operations since the conflict began on February 28, with key military installations identified as primary objectives.
In a televised address, Pezeshkian adopted a resolute stance against Trump’s demands, emphasizing that Iran’s adversaries would never see the unconditional surrender of its people. In response, Iran retaliated with air raid alerts and strikes hitting various locations, including Gulf cities and military bases.
The Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting strategic sites in several locations, including the UAE and Kuwait, as well as an oil tanker in the Gulf region. The conflict also extended to Iraq’s Kurdistan region, with separatist groups facing warnings of severe repercussions for any actions challenging Iran’s territorial integrity.
Furthermore, the war has seen a significant impact on global markets, with stock markets experiencing downturns and crude oil prices surging. Despite the widespread retaliation by Iran, major global powers such as China and Russia have largely refrained from direct involvement in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an immediate ceasefire in a conversation with Iranian leader Masoud Pezeshkian, signaling international concerns over the escalating situation. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed reports of Russian intelligence sharing with Iran, affirming ongoing monitoring of developments in the region.
The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with the death toll rising among civilians and military personnel. With no clear resolution in sight, experts warn of a prolonged conflict, potentially lasting for several weeks or more.