Iran vows 'crushing' attacks on US and Israel until 'permanent regret'

Key facts

• Iran has threatened "crushing, broader, and more destructive" attacks on the US and Israel.
• US President Donald Trump warned of intensified attacks if Iran does not reach a negotiated settlement.
• Iran stated its retaliation caused heavy damage to US infrastructure, facilities, weapons, and equipment.
• The conflict has led to a significant rise in oil prices, with Brent crude reaching $108 per barrel.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked, impacting global trade.
• Hezbollah has launched drone and rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Iran has issued stern warnings of "crushing, broader, and more destructive" attacks against the United States and Israel, vowing to continue military operations until its adversaries experience "permanent regret and surrender." These threats follow a national address by US President Donald Trump, who warned of intensified attacks on Iran over the next two to three weeks if a negotiated settlement is not reached, stating the US would bomb the Islamic republic "back to the Stone Ages."

Iranian officials, including Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, claimed that Iran's retaliatory strikes had already inflicted significant damage on US infrastructure, facilities, weapons, and equipment, and resulted in casualties among US commanders and soldiers. Zolfaghari emphasized that the offensive operations would persist as a lesson to the Americans.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated that Tehran "has no choice but to fight back strongly" and rejected the notion that Iran had been "decimated." He indicated that messages had been received through intermediaries, but direct negotiations with the US were not occurring, dismissing US demands as "maximalist and irrational." The escalating conflict has had a notable impact on global markets, with crude oil prices surging, Brent crude reaching $108 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, remains largely blocked, severely disrupting trade. In parallel, the militant group Hezbollah announced it had launched drones and rockets at northern Israel, adding to the regional instability. Authorities in Lebanon report that Israeli attacks have resulted in over 1,300 fatalities in the country since the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah began.