Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned that the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran is moving into a new phase, saying the Iranian leadership “knows what to do” as tensions continue to escalate on day 35 of the war.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters, but stopped short of laying out the exact steps the United States plans to take next. His comments have added to speculation that Washington may be preparing for either a wider military escalation or a new diplomatic push, even as fighting and retaliatory strikes continue across the region.
The latest warning comes after weeks of strikes, counter-strikes and rising alarm over the wider fallout for the Gulf, global oil supplies and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has accused the US and Israel of aggression, while Washington has repeatedly said it is trying to pressure Tehran into changing its position.
Trump’s statement was characteristically blunt. He said the “next phase” would depend on Iran’s decisions, adding that its leadership “knows what to do.” The remarks did not include a timetable, but they were enough to stir fresh concern among diplomats and markets already bracing for more instability.
A US official, speaking on background, said military commanders remain on alert and that American assets in the region continue to be protected. Regional analysts say the language from Trump is consistent with his strategy of keeping adversaries uncertain while signalling strength to allies and domestic supporters.
“Trump is leaving the door open to both escalation and bargaining,” said one Middle East policy expert. “That ambiguity is deliberate, but it also raises the risk of miscalculation.”
The conflict has already deepened fears in energy markets, with oil prices remaining volatile and shipping insurers charging higher premiums for vessels passing through sensitive waters. Countries such as India, which rely heavily on Gulf energy imports, are watching developments closely.
For now, there is no clear sign of de-escalation. Trump’s latest remarks suggest that the standoff remains highly fluid, and that the next move from Tehran or Washington could decide whether the war widens further or shifts toward talks.
