US President Donald Trump has signalled that Washington may intensify its military response toward Iran in the coming weeks, using unusually stark language to describe the potential consequences.
Speaking during a prime-time address from the White House, Trump said the United States was prepared to act forcefully within “the next two to three weeks.” According to his remarks, the response would be “extremely strong,” as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.
“We will hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said, adding that Iran could be pushed “back to the Stone Age,” language he has used in previous statements about the country.
At the same time, the president indicated that diplomatic channels remain open. “Discussions are ongoing,” he said, suggesting that negotiations have not been completely ruled out despite the increasingly confrontational tone.
The exact nature of the proposed military escalation remains unclear, and US officials have not yet outlined specific operational details. It is also not known whether the timeline mentioned by Trump reflects a confirmed plan or a warning aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran.
Trump also addressed the issue of regime change, stating that it had not been a formal objective of US policy. “Regime change was not our goal. We never said regime change,” he said, before adding that leadership changes in Iran had effectively occurred due to recent developments. These claims have not been independently verified.
The remarks come amid heightened uncertainty over the direction of the conflict and its potential impact on the wider region. Iran has not yet issued a full official response to the latest comments, although reactions from Tehran are expected.
Earlier in the day, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that Iran had reportedly requested a ceasefire. He said any such request would only be considered if Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
“Until then,” he said, “we are destroying Iran and turning it back to the Stone Age.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the unfolding situation. Roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass through the narrow waterway, making it one of the most strategically important transit routes in the world. Any disruption there has immediate consequences for global energy markets.
Analysts say Trump’s remarks reflect a dual-track approach, combining military pressure with conditional diplomacy. While signalling readiness for escalation, the US administration appears to be leaving space for negotiations, depending on developments on the ground.
However, experts warn that such rhetoric carries risks. Strong language and tight timelines can increase uncertainty and heighten the possibility of miscalculation, particularly in an already volatile environment.
There are also concerns about the potential economic fallout. Prolonged tensions or further escalation could drive energy prices higher and affect global supply chains, with impacts felt well beyond the Middle East.
For now, much depends on how both sides interpret the latest statements and whether diplomatic efforts gain traction. With a possible escalation window outlined by the US president, the coming weeks are likely to be critical in shaping the next phase of the crisis.