US and Israel Escalate Strikes on Iran as Trump Issues Total War Threat

The latest wave of attacks late Monday targeted civilian infrastructure, including apartment complexes in eastern Tehran and schools in Khomeyn. In a post on Truth Social, Trump linked the destruction of Iran’s future to the transit of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has stalled significantly since the joint military campaign began. The assault on a residential complex near Resalat Square in Tehran resulted in approximately 40 deaths, with witnesses describing scenes of devastation as bodies were recovered from the rubble.

International observers and Iranian leadership have characterized the campaign as a direct assault on the Iranian people. Dylan Williams of the Center for International Policy noted that pro-Israel lobbying groups have actively amplified the administration's threats. Iranian officials remain defiant, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf calling for a forceful response to the aggression. Kamal Kharazi, a foreign policy adviser to the supreme leader, stated that diplomacy is no longer a viable path given the administration's broken promises. As global oil prices remain volatile, Iranian sources have signaled their intent to leverage energy markets to sustain resistance until the current offensive ends.