Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise as the U.S. and Israeli war in Iran enters its second week. The conflict comes as Iran names a new supreme leader, oil prices fluctuate globally and American casualties continue to mount.
Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader, just days after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the country for more than four decades. The elder Khamenei was killed on the first day of the conflict.
President Donald Trump criticized the decision, saying he believed choosing the younger Khamenei would only continue existing tensions with Iran.
“I was disappointed because we think it’s going to lead to just more of the same problem for the country,” Trump said.
Experts say Mojtaba Khamenei is considered more hardline than his father, and his appointment comes at a critical moment as the war intensifies. Despite the ongoing fighting, Trump suggested earlier this week that the conflict may not last much longer and said U.S. military objectives are close to being achieved.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the administration believes Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened during the operation.
“Iran stands alone, and they are losing badly,” Hegseth said. “On day 10 of ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ we are winning. We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also vowed to continue attacks against Iran.
The fighting has already taken a toll. The U.S. military has confirmed eight American service members have died in the conflict, while 140 have been injured. In Iran, more than 1,200 people have been killed by Israeli and American strikes, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Still, uncertainty remains about how long the conflict will last and what its broader impact could be.
While many Republican lawmakers have supported the administration’s actions so far, several Senate Democrats are calling for answers. Some have said they will block Senate business until Defense Secretary Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio testify under oath about the administration’s strategy, the potential cost of the conflict and how long it could continue.
