The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran appears to be entering a critical phase. President Donald Trump says the U.S. military campaign in Iran is “nearly complete,” claiming Iranian military capabilities have been largely destroyed. Oil markets reacted quickly, falling after Trump suggested the war could end soon.
At the same time, Iran has installed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader and insists it can continue the war indefinitely. With missile strikes continuing across the Gulf and fighting spreading into Lebanon, diplomats are quietly exploring possible exit ramps to avoid a prolonged regional war.
Trump says the Iran war may end soon after thousands of U.S. strikes crippled Iranian forces. He warned Tehran will face harsher attacks if it targets oil supplies, while Iran’s new hardline leader vows the country can fight indefinitely. #Trump #Iran pic.twitter.com/PawCaVtmDM
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) March 9, 2026
- Trump said the U.S. military operation in Iran—called a short-term “excursion”—is “pretty well complete” and could end soon.
- Trump warned Iran will be hit harder if it attacks global oil supplies or escalates further.
- U.S. Central Command claims over 5,000 Iranian targets have been struck and around 50 Iranian naval vessels destroyed or damaged.
- Trump said Iran’s military capabilities are largely degraded, stating they have “no navy, no communications, no air force” left.
- Oil prices initially surged due to the conflict but dropped about 30% after Trump signaled the war could end soon.
- Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader, reportedly with strong support from the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps).
- Iranian officials say no diplomacy is possible while attacks continue and claim they can sustain a long war.
- Iranian missile/drone strikes have reportedly hit Gulf sites, with Saudi Arabia accusing Iran of continued attacks.
- A U.S. embassy evacuation in Riyadh was reported due to Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Eight U.S. troops have been confirmed killed during the conflict.
- Regional fighting is expanding with Israeli ground operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah clashes.
- Some analysts and officials are discussing possible exit strategies or ceasefire mediation through countries like Qatar and Oman.
