US President Donald Trump has warned that the conflict with Iran may take longer than expected, claiming that Washington has the power to sustain military operations much beyond the four-to-five-week timetable originally indicated.
The crisis, which began Saturday with an attack that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has quickly spread throughout the region. The US and Israel claim that their goals include destroying Iran’s missile systems, naval forces, and nuclear program, as well as halting its backing for armed organizations. Trump stated that the campaign was “ahead of schedule” but that it would not become an everlasting war.
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf. Two drones struck the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, causing minor damage, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted additional drones over its territory. Tehran has also threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments.
The violence has spread to Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs following attacks claimed by Hezbollah. Casualty figures continue to climb. Iranian authorities report hundreds killed, while at least 11 people have died in Israel and more than 50 in Lebanon. The U.S. military confirmed six American service members have been killed.
Amid the escalating crisis, Washington has urged U.S. citizens in dozens of countries across the Middle East to leave, as fears grow of a prolonged and widening regional war.
