Washington/Tehran – The conflict in the Middle East is poised for its most violent day yet, as US War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Tuesday will see the “most intense day of strikes inside Iran” since the war began 10 days ago. The warning was met with a defiant vow from Tehran to block all oil shipments from the region if the attacks continue.
‘We Are the Ones Who Will Determine the End’
At a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth declared the escalation, while the top US general, General Dan Caine, offered a sobering assessment of the enemy. “I think they’re fighting, and I respect that, but I don’t think they’re more formidable than what we thought,” Caine told reporters.
In Tehran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps responded with a stark warning. A spokesperson stated they would not allow any oil to leave the region if US and Israeli attacks continue. “We are the ones who will determine the end of the war,” the spokesperson declared, dismissing President Trump’s recent comments as “nonsense.”
Trump’s Twentyfold Threat
President Trump, who had earlier predicted a swift end to the war, issued a dramatic escalation of his own on his Truth Social platform.
“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” he warned.
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most vital oil export route, handling a fifth of global supply. The war has effectively shut the strait, leaving tankers unable to sail for over a week and forcing producers to halt pumping as storage facilities fill.
Saudi Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, warned of “catastrophic consequences” for global markets if the disruption continues.
Netanyahu: ‘We Are Breaking Their Bones’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the war in existential terms, reiterating that Israel’s aim is to overthrow Iran’s system of clerical rule.
“Our aspiration is to bring the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “There is no doubt that through the actions taken so far we are breaking their bones – and our hand is still extended.”
Diplomacy Dead
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told PBS that Tehran was unlikely to resume negotiations with the US, which had been engaged in indirect talks before the strikes.
“Still, they decided to attack us. So, I don’t think talking to the Americans anymore would be on our agenda,” he said.
The sentiment was echoed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, who launched a blistering attack on EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen for her comments on Iranian freedom, accusing her of “whitewashing criminals” and remaining silent on civilian casualties, including the strike on a girls’ school in Minab that killed over 165 people.
Markets React
Despite the fiery rhetoric, global markets showed signs of stabilization. Brent crude futures fell more than 10% on Tuesday after a record 29% surge on Monday, as Trump’s prediction of a swift end and reports of potential sanctions relief on Russian oil eased some fears.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found that only 29% of Americans approve of the war, with 67% expecting gas prices to rise further.
