Iran’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, declared that the country is prepared to continue its military actions for as long as necessary, challenging US President Donald Trump’s prediction that the Gulf conflict would end quickly.
Araghchi’s remarks, which also ruled out any negotiations with Washington, came just hours after Tehran launched a fresh round of attacks on US-allied Gulf nations—despite Trump’s assurances of a swift resolution.
Trump’s optimistic statements had a calming effect on global markets. Stock indices in Tokyo and Seoul opened higher, while oil prices fell up to five percent after crude briefly surged past US$100 a barrel. Speaking from Florida, Trump insisted the campaign would be a “short-term excursion” and warned that any further aggression from Iran would be met with an “incalculable” response.
“We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough,” Trump said, emphasizing that any obstruction to oil supplies would provoke a forceful reaction.
Yet, Araghchi told PBS News that Iran remains steadfast. “The firings continue, and we are prepared. We are well prepared to continue attacking them with our missiles as long as needed and as long as it takes,” he said. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards echoed his sentiment, adding that they will “determine the end of the war.”
He also recalled bitter past experiences with the US, saying negotiations were off the table. “I don’t think talking with Americans anymore would be on our agenda,” Araghchi said.
Meanwhile, the conflict’s impact on civilians and the region is intensifying. Iranian attacks targeted Gulf nations, prompting the United Arab Emirates to respond to incoming missile and drone threats. Bahrain sounded sirens and urged citizens to take shelter. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait intercepted and destroyed multiple drones. In Iran, local media reported fresh attacks in Tehran and Khomein, while Israel struck an Iranian missile launcher following a barrage that triggered alerts across parts of the country.
The instability has roiled global markets, prompting concerns about fuel shortages and inflation. In an attempt to stabilize oil prices, Trump waived some sanctions following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Iran has also targeted vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil. French President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies were preparing a “purely defensive” mission to reopen the strait, though the timing remains uncertain.
Amid the turmoil, Iran appointed hardliner Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader after his father was killed in early US-Israeli strikes. State media reported tens of thousands celebrating his appointment in Tehran.
The war has extended beyond Iran’s borders, drawing in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have killed hundreds and displaced more than 660,000 people. Among them, Zainab El Masry, 40, shared the harsh reality: “We have nothing to eat or drink, just a bit of bread.”
Even in everyday life, people are finding ways to cope. During the fasting month of Ramadan, residents in Boukan, Iran, said they face soaring prices and banking restrictions, yet community spirit persists. “In my cafe, I made a simple decision: for those who can’t pay for their coffee, it’s on the house,” said cafe manager Reza, 36.
The conflict’s human cost underscores that beyond politics and power plays, ordinary people continue to navigate fear, scarcity, and resilience in their daily lives.
