Trump Warns of “Stone Age” Consequences for Iran as War Escalates; 60-Nation Meeting Convened on Strait of Hormuz Amid Global Oil Supply Concerns

In a strongly worded primetime address from the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump adopted an aggressive posture toward Iran, declaring that continued hostilities could push the country “back to the Stone Age.”

The statement came after 32 days of intense military confrontation between the United States and Iran, during which American forces reportedly carried out targeted strikes on strategic military installations.

President Trump asserted that U.S. forces had successfully degraded Iran’s naval and air capabilities and significantly weakened its missile and nuclear infrastructure.

According to the President, American military operations had achieved most of their objectives, and Iran no longer posed the level of threat it previously did.

He indicated that further decisive action could be taken within the next two to three weeks, emphasizing that the United States holds a strategic advantage in the conflict.

Trump acknowledged that the ongoing tensions have impacted global oil prices but expressed confidence that energy markets would stabilize soon.

However, Iran responded with equally strong rhetoric, rejecting the American claims and warning of severe consequences in the event of any ground incursion.

Senior Iranian military officials stated that any attempt by foreign troops to enter Iranian territory would result in heavy losses for the invading forces.

Iran’s Army Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, reiterated that the country is prepared to respond decisively to any aggression, emphasizing that Iran possesses sufficient missile capabilities and strategic reserves to defend its sovereignty.

Iranian military spokesperson Lt. Col. Ibrahim Zolfaghari stated that the locations targeted by U.S. strikes were not of strategic importance and insisted that the country’s key missile development and defence facilities remain undisclosed and operational.

Iranian leadership further criticized Washington’s stance, describing the “stone age” remark as reflective of a confrontational mindset rather than a constructive diplomatic approach.

Adding to the tensions, Iran reportedly launched missile strikes targeting locations linked to U.S. interests in Israel, Dubai and Bahrain, including areas associated with the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet presence in the Gulf region.

These retaliatory actions have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, as the prolonged war continues to create instability across global political and economic systems.

The widening conflict has also caused significant disruption to global oil supplies, particularly due to concerns over the safety of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for energy transportation.

Several oil tankers have reportedly faced navigation difficulties amid heightened military activity in the region, causing fluctuations in global crude prices and raising concerns among energy-dependent nations.

In response to the growing crisis, the United Kingdom convened a high-level international meeting on Wednesday involving representatives from 60 countries to explore solutions for ensuring the uninterrupted movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The objective of the meeting was to promote maritime security, prevent further disruptions to global oil supply chains, and reduce the risk of escalation in the strategically sensitive Gulf region.

The United States declined to participate in the meeting, signalling differences in diplomatic approach among Western allies regarding the management of the crisis.

The absence of the U.S. from the discussions was noted by several participating countries, many of whom emphasized the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts rather than unilateral military measures.

India was represented at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who underscored the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiations in resolving tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

India, being heavily dependent on energy imports passing through the Gulf region, expressed concern over disruptions to shipping routes and reiterated its support for diplomatic engagement to ensure stability.

Misri emphasized that maintaining free and secure passage through the Strait is vital not only for regional economies but also for global energy markets.

He stated that India favours a balanced approach involving dialogue, confidence-building measures, and international cooperation to prevent escalation and ensure long-term maritime security.

The ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran has generated widespread anxiety among nations concerned about geopolitical stability, economic repercussions, and energy security.

Analysts warn that prolonged tensions could impact international trade routes, fuel prices, and diplomatic relations across multiple regions.

As military rhetoric intensifies, the international community continues to stress the importance of restraint, dialogue, and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent further escalation and maintain peace in a region critical to global economic stability.