Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran’s armed forces have issued a strong warning of intensified retaliation against the United States (US) and Israel, pledging severe and far-reaching strikes after US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate military action in the coming weeks to bomb the country into the "Stone Ages".
"With trust in Almighty God, this war will continue until your humiliation, disgrace, permanent and certain regret, and surrender," declared Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central command in a statement aired on state television.
"Await our more crushing, broader, and more destructive actions."
The confrontation, which began more than a month ago with joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, has since spread across the Middle East, unsettling the region and sending ripples through the global economy, affecting millions of people worldwide.
In a televised address from the White House, Trump said the United States was nearing its strategic goals but cautioned that military pressure would escalate if Tehran did not agree to a settlement.
"Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong," Trump said during the 19-minute speech.
Iran reacted swiftly, launching counterattacks that activated Israeli air defence systems, while emergency services responded to multiple strike locations around Tel Aviv, where four individuals were reported to have suffered minor injuries.
The Iranian command centre reiterated its stance through another televised statement.
"With trust in Almighty God, this war will continue until your humiliation, disgrace, permanent and certain regret, and surrender," it said.
Despite the intensifying hostilities, Trump has also indicated that a negotiated resolution remains possible, suggesting that Iran’s current leadership may be more pragmatic than those before.
However, Tehran has dismissed Washington’s calls for a ceasefire, labeling US demands as unrealistic and excessive.
"Messages have been received through intermediaries, including Pakistan, but there is no direct negotiation with the US," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
Trump further warned that if diplomacy fails, the US could target key infrastructure in Iran, including its electricity production facilities.
Inside Iran, pro-government demonstrations have reflected public resolve, as large crowds gathered in Tehran to attend the funeral of a Revolutionary Guards naval commander killed in an Israeli strike.
"This war has lasted a month. However long it takes, we will continue," said Moussa Nowruzi, a 57-year-old pensioner.
The conflict has also begun to affect Gulf nations once considered relatively secure, with countries such as the United Arab Emirates activating air defence systems in response to missile and drone threats.
A critical point of concern remains the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran has threatened to shut it to its adversaries, while Washington has made its reopening a key condition for any ceasefire agreement.
Amid rising tensions, the United Kingdom is preparing to host a meeting of 35 countries to discuss safeguarding maritime routes and restoring safe passage through the region.
Global financial markets have shown signs of strain, with oil prices climbing and stock markets falling as uncertainty continues to grow over the direction of the conflict.