Israel Strikes Tehran as Trump Prepares National Update on Iran War

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Tehran early Wednesday, hitting multiple areas of the Iranian capital as the conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States continued to intensify. Iranian state media reported explosions across northern, eastern, and central parts of Tehran, while the Israeli military confirmed what it described as a wide-ranging wave of operations targeting the city. It also said its air defence systems were intercepting incoming missiles launched from Iran, marking a renewed exchange after hours of relative calm.

The escalation came as Donald Trump prepared to address the American public with an update on the month-long war. The White House said the speech, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, would focus on developments in Iran and the broader regional security situation. Trump has repeatedly suggested the conflict could conclude within weeks, while maintaining that military operations will continue until U.S. objectives are met.

The war, which began on February 28 following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, has expanded beyond its initial frontlines and drawn in multiple regional actors. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains willing to end hostilities if guarantees are provided that fighting will not resume. At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued warnings against several U.S. technology firms, including Intel, Tesla, and Palantir, accusing them of involvement in earlier targeted killings and threatening retaliation if further attacks occur.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military campaign would continue, arguing that it has significantly weakened Iran’s strategic capabilities. Israel also reported ongoing operations beyond Iran, including missile interceptions linked to Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has recently joined the conflict and threatened Red Sea shipping routes.

The fighting has also spilled into neighbouring countries. Lebanon reported casualties following Israeli strikes in the south of Beirut, with Israel saying it targeted a senior Hezbollah commander. Several Gulf states reported drone or missile-related incidents, including damage to infrastructure in Kuwait and fires in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about wider regional destabilisation. A commercial tanker near Doha was also damaged by a projectile, though no casualties were reported.

Global markets reacted sharply to the uncertainty, with oil prices rising on fears that Iran could disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. Asian stock markets, however, posted gains after comments from Trump suggesting the war might be nearing an end.

On the military side, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be decisive, adding that Iran’s ability to respond militarily was increasingly limited. U.S. Central Command also released footage it said showed precision strikes on underground facilities inside Iran. Diplomatically, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect communication with U.S. officials is ongoing, though Tehran maintains it is not engaged in formal negotiations.

As the conflict enters a more volatile phase, attention is focused on Trump’s upcoming address, which is expected to outline the U.S. position and possible next steps in a war that continues to expand across the Middle East and unsettle global markets.