Iran is strong and unwilling to negotiate – Prepare your shelters, warn the Revolutionary Guards
In his address to the American people regarding the war in Iran, US President Donald Trump repeated familiar positions, such as the success of the US military operation in destroying Iran’s navy, air force, and its missile and nuclear programs. He also launched new threats, emphasizing that if there is no deal with the Iranians, he will return them to the Stone Age, referring to potential attacks on their power and energy infrastructure. Trump stated that operations would last for another two to three weeks, though he provided no specific timetable for the war's end. In short, it was an address where almost nothing new was said.
However, two critical conclusions emerge from his speech: first, he made it clear that he is unconcerned if military operations lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—the closure of which has caused a massive global energy and economic crisis—and second, he implied that he will not order a ground invasion of Iran. These admissions indicate that the US has suffered a strategic defeat and fears the Iranian resistance and the potential carnage of an invasion. In response to Trump's threats, Iran is sending its own messages: following yesterday's sweeping attack with Emad, Ghadr, and Qiam missiles on Tel Aviv, it emphasizes that surprises are coming and the offensive is just beginning.
Shock message from Iran: Catastrophic attacks coming to US, Israel
The Iranian armed forces pledged this Thursday, April 2, to carry out "catastrophic" attacks against the US and Israel following Trump's threats to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age. "With trust in Almighty God, this war will continue until you experience humiliation, disgrace, permanent repentance, and submission," the Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command stated on state television. "Expect our most devastating and widespread actions."
Chaos and panic in Israel after triple attack by Iran, Hezbollah, and Houthis
Chaos and panic erupted across Israel following extensive Iranian missile attacks on April 1, 2026. Residents were trapped in traffic jams while rushing to shelters amid waves of strikes. Central Israel and Tel Aviv were targeted by continuous missile launches lasting about 20 minutes each, with five waves recorded on the afternoon of April 1. The barrage is seen as a symbolic message from Tehran, coinciding with Passover celebrations.
Revolutionary Guards: We swept Tel Aviv, Netanyahu’s "gift" to Israel for Passover
The Revolutionary Guards announced that as part of their 89th wave of operations, they swept the heart of Israel, referring to the strikes on Tel Aviv. The statement noted the use of heavy guided Qiam and Emad missiles, as well as Ghadr multi-warhead missiles. "The 'missile against missile' operation created a 'camp of fire' from Ramat Gan to Holon and Bnei Brak, intensifying life 'from siren to siren' for residents. This is the 'greatest holiday offering' from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Israeli citizens," the Guards noted. They warned that intact weapon stockpiles would be used gradually, telling Israelis: "Prepare your shelters."
Iran: Now we begin
Facing Trump's threats, Iran warns that its arsenal is powerful and advanced enough to surprise the enemy. An Iranian official told Al Mayadeen that the pace of missile launches will increase gradually in coordination with the Axis of Resistance. Tehran aims to destroy the enemy's defense infrastructure and radars without interruption until deterrence is achieved. The official warned that any action against Iranian infrastructure would meet a harsh response, stating that "the initiative of movements lies in the hands of Tehran."
Missile attacks in Israel reach new level – Who are the new targets?
Iran has initiated missile attacks on a "new level" of targets in Israel. According to Tasnim, the list of operational targets has undergone a significant shift, adding a new tier to the "target bank." In the early stages, the focus was on military infrastructure like airbases and radars. Later, it expanded to the military industry. Now, entering the fifth week, a third axis has been added: targeting technology companies and high-tech firms, including those in artificial intelligence.
This sector, the "Startup Nation," is a pillar of Israel’s economic and military strength. Focusing on these companies—especially those with military ties—could have deeper consequences than hitting purely military targets. The damage to research and development (R&D) or investment systems could disrupt the entire industrial structure. In the event of a wider conflict, this technological sector could become one of the most important fields of confrontation, marking a transition to a multi-layered approach.
Two more US MQ-9 drones turned to ash by Iranian air defenses
Simultaneously, Iranian air defenses shot down two more US MQ-9 Reaper heavy reconnaissance and attack drones. According to US officials, the drones were destroyed in the Isfahan region. This brings the total number of MQ-9s lost during this campaign to 16, at an average cost of $34 million each. The US-Israeli military campaign, which began on February 28, has struck major Iranian cities, including Tehran, under the justification of neutralizing nuclear threats.
New York Times: Iran is not willing to negotiate
US intelligence services assess that Iran is currently unwilling to engage in meaningful negotiations to end the war. Officials say Iran believes it is in a strong position and does not need to agree to US demands. Furthermore, Tehran does not believe Donald Trump is serious about talks. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran demands a guaranteed ceasefire to end the war permanently. Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denies that ceasefire negotiations are taking place, citing "irrational" US demands.
Larry Johnson (ex-CIA): Capture of Kharg and Qeshm islands is military pointless
The operation to seize Iranian islands would be pointless and deadly for American soldiers, according to former CIA analyst Larry Johnson. Trump previously stated the US might try to control Kharg Island. "Regarding Kharg or Qeshm, this would make no sense in terms of military objectives," Johnson said, emphasizing that there is no viable ground operation option that would bring a concrete result.
Warning from US Embassy in Iraq: Attacks coming within 48 hours
The US Embassy in Baghdad has urged Americans to leave Iraq, warning that "Iran-linked militias" may carry out attacks within 24-48 hours. These groups may target US citizens, companies, and diplomatic facilities. The warning covers energy infrastructure, hotels, and airports believed to be associated with the United States, alongside Iraqi political targets.
Trump address: We are winning, we continue until our goals are met
"Our enemies are losing and America is winning," Trump stated, claiming the US involvement has weakened Iran’s military and nuclear threat. He told the American people that the US does not need the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to return Iran to the "stone age." "The United States imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait... Countries that do must ensure their own passage," Trump declared.
Another 2 to 3 weeks
The US President added that countries unable to get oil from the Middle East could buy from the United States. He claimed the US would launch strikes over the next two to three weeks to send Iran back to the "stone age." He promised to hit power stations simultaneously if no deal is reached. Trump noted the US has avoided hitting oil facilities so far, as that would leave Iran with no chance of survival.
Again and again...
"The nuclear facilities we destroyed with B-2 bombers have been hit so hard it will take months to even get near the dust," Trump emphasized. He warned that any move toward rebuilding would be met with missile strikes. "We have all the cards, they have none," the President said, comparing the month-long conflict to previous US wars that lasted for years.
They were the regional bullies
The Iranians "were the bullies of the Middle East, but they are no longer," Trump said, calling the war a "real investment for your children." He added that Americans can look forward to a day free from Iranian aggression and nuclear blackmail. "We are on the verge of eliminating the dark threat of Iran... and when we do, the US will be safer and more prosperous."
Regime change was not our goal
The US President tried to reassure Americans that he did not aim for power change in Iran, but that it "happened." "Regime change was not our goal, we never said regime change," Trump said. Nevertheless, he noted that regime change occurred because "all their leaders are dead" and those remaining are "less radical."
Washington previously claimed productive talks had occurred, but the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied direct dialogue. Meanwhile, the US continues to deploy more forces, including thousands of Marines. Secretary of State Rubio outlined four goals for Operation Epic Fury: destroying Iran’s air force and navy, reducing missile launch capabilities, and destroying the military industry.
Houthis threaten to close Bab el Mandab Strait
A senior Houthi official warned that the Yemeni rebels could close the Bab el Mandab Strait if any Gulf states participate in US-Israeli attacks. "We have a moral responsibility that prevents us from staying idle," said Mohammed Mansour. He added that closing the strait is an option if the attack on Iran escalates or if Gulf states engage directly in military operations.
Israel: We eliminated Hezbollah’s southern front commander
Israel announced the elimination of Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. The operation took place during an Israeli Navy raid in Beirut. Hashem was described as a central figure responsible for thousands of attacks. His death marks the highest-ranking official neutralized since the escalation of hostilities in the ongoing war with Iran.
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