US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the coming days would be decisive in the conflict with Iran, warning of intensified hostilities if Tehran did not agree to a resolution.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to target eighteen US companies, including major technology and aerospace firms such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing, beginning April 1. This action was announced as retaliation for attacks on Iran. The threat followed an earlier incident where an Iranian strike set an oil tanker ablaze off Dubai, marking the latest in a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz since US and Israeli operations against Iran commenced on February 28.

Amidst these developments, former US President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating that Iran's energy infrastructure would be destroyed if it failed to agree to a peace deal and open the Strait of Hormuz. He also criticized NATO allies for their perceived lack of support in the conflict, suggesting they "go and get their own oil" if they were unwilling to assist in securing the waterway. Mr. Trump labeled France as "VERY UNHELPFUL" in a post on Truth Social and described NATO as "terrible" in a CBS News interview. Reportedly, France and Italy have expressed reservations about certain US-Israeli military actions, while Spain has prohibited the US from utilizing its air bases for strikes against Iran.

The United States has deployed thousands of troops from East Asia and other global bases to the region, with reports suggesting generals have developed plans for a ground invasion focusing on Iran's key oil hub, Kharg Island, and the shores adjacent to the Strait.

Defence Secretary Hegseth, who visited US troops in the Middle East over the weekend, indicated that Mr. Trump remained open to a deal and that discussions were underway, emphasizing US readiness to continue the conflict. He asserted that the US had increasing options while Iran's military capabilities were diminishing, though he acknowledged Iran's capacity for retaliation. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi refuted claims of negotiations, stating that while some contact occurred, formal talks were not taking place.

Pakistan has initiated mediation efforts, joining China in advocating for an immediate ceasefire. Iran confirmed receiving US peace proposals via Pakistani intermediaries but characterized them as "unrealistic, illogical and excessive," leading to their rejection.

Concurrently, Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen launched attacks against Israel over the weekend, raising concerns about potential threats to shipping in the Red Sea. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that the conflict was "definitely beyond the halfway point" but refrained from providing a timeline for its conclusion.