OBSERVERS across the globe were expecting uncharacteristic statesmanship from Donald Trump when he addressed his nation early on Thursday morning Pakistan time, including the possible announcement of a cessation of hostilities against Iran. Instead, what they got from the US president was a rambling tirade full of hot air and bluster, indicating that the American-Israeli aggression against Iran will not end anytime soon. Mr Trump’s speech was replete with familiar contradictions, indicating yet again that Washington has no real plan to extricate itself from the Iranian quagmire. In fact, the US leader said that the disastrous conflict may continue for “two to three weeks” — Mr Trump’s timelines and goals have continued to shift where the war is concerned. What is worrisome though is the threat to “hit them extremely hard” and send Iran “back to the Stone Age”. Perhaps Mr Trump is not satisfied with the violence and bloodshed the US and Israel have already inflicted on Iran. UN experts say that around 2,000 civilians have been killed so far. Perhaps the most monstrous attack of this conflict occurred when a suspected American strike killed nearly 170 people, mostly schoolgirls, in the Iranian town of Minab. Furthermore, around 3m people have been internally displaced in Iran. The US-Israeli combine has struck clear civilian targets, such as schools, medical facilities, mosques and residential areas. But the American president wants to press on and ‘finish the job’.

The sad truth is that much of the international community seems comatose, unable to stop the rogue behaviour of the US and its bloodthirsty sidekick Israel. Pakistan and other regional states, including China, have made commendable efforts to end the war and find a long-term diplomatic solution based on justice and international law. But Washington and Tel Aviv bow to no law; instead, they follow the law of the jungle. The Iranians have said they want to exit the “vicious cycle of war, negotiations, ceasefire” and instead want guarantees of no more aggression, as well as compensation. But the US is apparently not interested in a negotiated settlement, and wants total surrender from Tehran. After over a month of hostilities, it should be clear that Iran is unlikely to surrender. Considering these bleak realities, the comity of nations should prepare for more violence in the Middle East and global economic turbulence.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2026