Escalation
US and Israeli forces struck multiple civilian and industrial targets inside Iran on April 2–3, including a bridge near Tehran, a century-old medical research centre, and steel production facilities. Iranian officials have vowed retaliation.
A US-led airstrike destroyed a major bridge near Karaj, approximately 40 kilometres west of Tehran, killing an undisclosed number of people and marking one of the most provocative strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure since the war began in late February. Iranian officials condemned the attack and pledged that the bridge would be “built back stronger.”
The strike on the Karaj bridge was part of a broader wave of attacks carried out by US and Israeli forces across Iran. Targets included a century-old medical research centre in Tehran and several steel production plants in other parts of the country. The pattern of strikes suggests a deliberate campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s industrial capacity and civilian infrastructure, moving beyond the military and nuclear-related targets that characterised earlier phases of the conflict.
Trump’s Primetime Address
US President Donald Trump addressed the nation in a primetime television speech, escalating his rhetoric significantly.
Trump threatened to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages,” a phrase that drew immediate international criticism. The speech appeared intended to rally domestic support for a conflict that has seen a sharp decline in public backing — polling data indicates that only 28 percent of Americans now support the war, down from 76 percent among Republican voters in early March.
Iran’s Military Response
Iran’s military issued a statement warning that the war would continue until the “humiliation” and “surrender” of its enemies. Senior commanders also cautioned the United States against any attempt at a ground invasion, stating that Iranian forces were prepared for all contingencies.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the American public directly, asking: “Which interests are being served by this war?”
Global Economic Fallout
The escalation has intensified a global oil shock. Continued disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — have driven crude prices sharply higher. Energy markets remain volatile, with analysts warning that sustained conflict in the region could push prices to levels not seen in decades, with cascading effects on global inflation and economic stability.
The conflict, now in its fifth week, shows no signs of de-escalation. Both sides have signalled a willingness to continue military operations, raising concerns among regional governments and international observers about the trajectory of the war.