U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the war with Iran could extend beyond initial projections, asserting that Washington has the capability to continue military operations well beyond the four-to-five-week timeframe previously outlined.
The conflict began on Saturday with a strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and has rapidly expanded across the Middle East. The United States and Israel say their objectives include neutralizing Iran’s missile systems, naval forces, and nuclear program, as well as halting support for armed groups. Trump stated that the campaign is progressing “ahead of schedule” but emphasized it would not become an endless war.
In retaliation, Iran has launched 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 authorities reported intercepting additional drones over their territory. Tehran has also threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical 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 rise: Iranian authorities report hundreds killed, at least 11 fatalities in Israel, and more than 50 in Lebanon. The U.S. military confirmed six American service members have died.
Amid the escalating crisis, the U.S. government has urged citizens in multiple Middle Eastern countries to evacuate as fears grow of a prolonged and widening regional war.
