Trump Declares U.S. Will Strike Iran 'Extremely Hard' and Return It to the Stone Ages in Coming Weeks

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will strike Iran 'extremely hard' over the next two to three weeks and return it to the stone ages. The president made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, claiming that the US's core strategic objectives in the ongoing Iran war were nearing completion.

The remarks have heightened tensions as the conflict, which began with major combat operations on February 28, enters what the administration calls its final phase. The comments have drawn widespread attention both at home and abroad.

Trump's Pledge to Strike Iran Extremely Hard

The speech, which lasted under 20 minutes, provided an update on the military campaign. Trump said: 'We are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly, very shortly. We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We're going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong.'

He further warned that if no agreement was reached during this period, the US would target each and every one of Iran's electric-generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously.

The president described the entire effort as an investment in your children and your grandchildren's future, stressing that it was necessary to counter the Iranian regime's long history of hostility.

The Military Context and Objectives

The Iran war was initiated on February 28 to achieve four main goals: the destruction of Iran's missile production facilities, the degradation of its navy and neutralise proxy threats that have destabilised the region. Trump has emphasised that the goals do not include regime change but focus on preventing nuclear development and threats to the US. The president has repeatedly said the campaign is defensive in nature, aimed at protecting American interests after years of tensions with the regime.

Significant progress has been claimed in destroying Iranian capabilities. The campaign has already seen substantial degradation of Iranian capabilities. Nevertheless, the president's commitment to intensified strikes over the coming two to three weeks suggests that full completion of the objectives is still pending. The Iranian government has denied any interest in a ceasefire and has rejected US claims to the contrary.

This has led to increased activity in the region, with allies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE assisting in intercepting projectiles. Domestic critics, including some Democratic members of Congress, have pointed to contradictions in the administration's position.

International and Domestic Reactions

Reactions to the speech have been mixed. While some former administration officials have called for an end to the conflict, viewing it as a war of choice, others back the president's firm line. Internationally, the Australian prime minister called for de-escalation. Oil markets reacted with prices rising sharply, and Asian stock indices experienced declines in the hours following the address.

A reel featuring excerpts from Trump's address, including the 'stone ages' comment, was posted on Instagram by the verified Al Jazeera account, helping to spread the president's message to international viewers.

As the two-to-three-week period for the intensified strikes begins, attention turns to whether diplomatic negotiations advance or if military operations intensify. The White House continues to insist that the strategic goals are on track following President Trump's declaration that the US will strike Iran extremely hard in the coming weeks.