Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Mar 7: Donald Trump on Saturday signalled that the United States could broaden its military targets in Iran, as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran moved into its second week.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump warned that Iran could face heavier attacks, saying additional areas and groups that were previously not considered could now become potential targets because of what he described as Iran’s “bad behaviour.” However, he did not provide details about the possible new targets.
His remarks came shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address apologising to neighbouring Gulf nations affected by the escalating hostilities. He said Iran regretted strikes that had hit nearby countries and insisted Tehran had no intention of attacking its neighbours unless it was first targeted. Pezeshkian also called for resolving the crisis through diplomacy.
At the same time, he rejected Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, saying such expectations were unrealistic and would never be accepted by Iran.
Since the conflict began, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. Qatar’s Defence Ministry said its forces intercepted missiles aimed at the country earlier on Saturday.
The apology followed internal discussions among Iran’s leadership after the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, which reportedly caused confusion within the command structure.
Meanwhile, the fighting showed no signs of slowing. Israeli forces carried out what they described as a large wave of overnight strikes in Tehran and other parts of central Iran. Iranian media reported explosions near Mehrabad International Airport.
Israel also stepped up military operations in Lebanon against positions linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The conflict has already spread across several parts of the Middle East, disrupting regional travel and energy markets. Operations at Dubai International Airport were briefly halted after missile and drone interceptions were reported across the Gulf.
Later on Saturday, Trump was scheduled to travel to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to attend a transfer ceremony for six US service members killed in the conflict. The troops died in an Iranian drone strike on a tactical operations centre in Kuwait.
The war began after joint US–Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military sites and leadership figures, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on Israel, American interests and Gulf countries hosting US military bases. The escalating hostilities have raised concerns about a wider regional war involving multiple actors across the Middle East.