The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reported to be wounded and likely disfigured, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising questions about his ability to lead following recent attacks by the US and Israel. President Donald Trump stated the US will be increasing pressure on Iran in the coming week, shortly after temporarily lifting sanctions on Russian oil.
US Temporarily Lifts Sanctions on Russian Oil
Oil prices have fluctuated amid comments from President Trump regarding the potential duration of the conflict, which has prompted Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. Trump has previously claimed the war is “complete” and pledged to ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait, stating the US would escort vessels “if we needed to.”
“We’re going to be hitting them very hard over the next week,” Trump added in a radio interview.
The US administration issued a 30-day license allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products currently at sea. The International Energy Agency reported the conflict is causing the largest oil supply disruption in history.
Trump indicated the US could benefit from rising oil prices, stating, “The United States is the largest oil producer in the world, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.” He added that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a priority.
War Extends Across Middle East
After nearly two weeks of conflict, approximately 2,000 people have been killed, primarily in Iran, with casualties also reported in Lebanon and a growing number in the Gulf region. US forces have also sustained losses, with six crew members killed in the crash of a refuelling aircraft in western Iraq.
Iran has launched additional missiles and drones toward Israel, while Israel continues strikes across Tehran and against the Iranian-allied Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Beirut.
Iranian Press TV reported a woman was killed during an airstrike near a rally in Tehran for al-Quds Day. Al-Quds Day is an annual demonstration in Iran expressing solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israeli control of Jerusalem.
Israeli military officials stated their air force struck over 200 targets in western and central Iran, including ballistic missile launchers, air defense systems, and weapons production facilities.
Trump Says US ‘Totally Destroying’ Iran Regime
In a social media post, Trump asserted the US is “totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran.” He continued, “We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time — Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.”
“They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!”
According to Axios, Trump informed G7 leaders in a virtual meeting that Iran was “about to surrender.”
President Emmanuel Macron reported one French soldier was killed and several wounded during an attack in northern Iraq, following an attack on an Italian base in the same area. The French soldiers were providing training as part of the international coalition fighting Islamic State militants.
Several homes in a Bedouin Arab town near an air base in northern Israel sustained heavy damage overnight, potentially from a direct strike or falling debris. Injuries were mostly minor.
With Reuters
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