The US–Israel war on Iran entered Day 34 on Thursday, April 2, with President Donald Trump ruling out an early withdrawal and vowing to “finish the job” as Washington pressed ahead with its military campaign.
Speaking in Hebron, Kentucky, Trump said the US would not end the conflict prematurely, stressing that operations would continue until all objectives were achieved.
Trump rules out early exit, vows to complete Iran war
Trump said the US would not leave the conflict early, describing the country as “unstoppable” as a military force and calling the war “a true investment” in the future of American generations.
US claims gains as campaign nears completion
He said operations were progressing faster than past conflicts and indicated that key objectives were close to completion. Trump confirmed that “Operation Epic Wrath” would continue, adding that US forces had achieved significant battlefield gains in recent weeks.
He claimed Iran’s naval forces had been neutralised, its air power severely degraded and its missile-launching capacity curtailed, asserting that Washington was “winning bigger than ever before”.
Trump warns over Iran’s nuclear programme
The US president said Iranian nuclear sites were under constant surveillance and warned of decisive action if any movement was detected. He also alleged that Tehran had continued efforts to pursue nuclear capabilities through covert means.
Trump criticised the nuclear agreement negotiated under former US President Barack Obama, calling it a mistake, and pointed to earlier US strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme.
US urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz
Trump said the US does not rely on oil imports and urged countries dependent on Middle Eastern supplies to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Washington would support partners but expected them to take the lead, while encouraging nations to consider US oil as an alternative.
Trump links Iran to fuel price surge
Trump acknowledged rising fuel costs in the US, noting that petrol prices had increased by more than 25 percent since the war began.
He described the rise as temporary and attributed it to Iranian actions targeting commercial shipping, adding that Washington was prepared to manage the economic impact.
Trump signals further strikes if no deal reached
Trump said military operations would continue until all objectives were achieved, adding that progress suggested those goals could be met soon.
He warned of intensified strikes in the coming weeks and said key infrastructure could be targeted if no agreement was reached, including potential attacks on power facilities.
Trump says US stronger as conflict nears end
ATrump said Americans were no longer under threat from what he described as Iranian aggression or “the spectre of nuclear blackmail”, adding that the US would emerge “safer, stronger and more prosperous”.
He paid tribute to 13 American service members killed in the conflict and reaffirmed US support for regional allies, including Israel and Gulf states, before concluding his remarks.
Iran launches fresh missile attack on Israel
Shortly after Trump concluded his address, the Israeli military reported new missile launches from Iran, triggering sirens across parts of the country.
Earlier, Iran had fired a cluster munition towards Israel, with fragments landing across multiple locations in Tel Aviv. Injuries and damage were reported, according to Israeli media.
In a parallel escalation, Hezbollah launched rockets targeting northern and central Israel, while Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on southern Lebanon.
Damage and injuries reported
According to Haaretz, three people were injured in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv. Debris from the missile strike damaged infrastructure and vehicles.
Israeli outlet Walla reported that around 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon in one barrage, with one striking an unoccupied building in Shafa’amr in northern Israel.
Iran president issues message to Americans
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an open letter addressed to the American public, urging them to look beyond what he described as misinformation surrounding the conflict.
He said Iran had not historically pursued aggression and framed its actions as defensive, while warning that continued confrontation would have long-term consequences for regional stability.
Pezeshkian also criticised US policy decisions, including past military actions and sanctions, and called for engagement over escalation.
Gulf states activate air defences
The UAE Ministry of Defense said its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones.
In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed it had destroyed a ballistic missile heading towards the Eastern Province.
Diplomatic tensions persist
Iran rejected claims it had sought a ceasefire, describing such assertions as unfounded.
Regional attacks on US forces
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it had carried out multiple operations targeting US bases across the region using drones.
In parallel diplomatic outreach, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with Trump on regional developments.
Fresh alerts across Israel
Early on Thursday, Israeli authorities reported further missile launches from Iran, triggering sirens across central Israel and parts of the occupied West Bank.
The continued exchanges highlight the risk of wider regional escalation, with multiple fronts active and no immediate signs of de-escalation.
