The war triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran continued to intensify on Friday, with renewed attacks across the region, mounting casualties and growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies as fighting approaches its third week.
U.S. President Donald Trump told an event at the White House the campaign against Iran was progressing rapidly, and that U.S. forces were carrying out operations successfully. “Our military is unsurpassed … we’re doing what has to be done,” he said, adding Iran was “paying a big price right now.”
The conflict, which began on Feb. 28 following a series of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership and military infrastructure, has spread across several countries including Iraq, Lebanon and the Gulf states. Thousands of people are believed to have been killed across the region, with heavy casualties reported in Iran, Israel and Lebanon. Israeli strikes in Lebanon alone have killed more than 640 people and injured over 1,600 since the latest escalation began, according to Lebanese health authorities.
U.S. officials say American forces have also suffered losses. At least six U.S. service members have been killed since the start of the war, while roughly 140 others have been wounded during operations across the region.
Adding to the uncertainty on Thursday, a U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. U.S. Central Command confirmed the tanker was involved in operations connected to the war but said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Recovery operations are underway, though the condition of the crew has not yet been fully disclosed.
Meanwhile, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has taken a hardline stance in his first public statement since assuming power following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei vowed that Iran would continue fighting and warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as a form of pressure against the United States and its allies. He also vowed to avenge the blood of martyrs. The statement came after Iranian officials confirmed Mojtaba was injured in the strike that killed his father.
Commenting on Khamenei’s condition during a media interview, Trump said he believes the new leader is “probably alive … but damaged” following the initial strikes that killed senior Iranian figures.
Also on Thursday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had spoken to the leaders of Russia and Pakistan and told them Tehran would not end the conflict without reparations and international guarantees. Later the same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Saudi Arabia for a brief official visit during which he met Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and assured him of Islamabad’s unwavering support.
The threat to the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most significant global consequences of the conflict. The narrow waterway normally carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, but commercial shipping through the strait has slowed dramatically due to mine threats, tanker attacks and naval clashes.
Energy analysts warn that the disruption could become the largest oil supply shock in decades if the strait remains closed. Reports of mines in the waterway and attacks on tankers have already driven oil prices sharply higher and caused severe delays for vessels attempting to transit the Gulf.
Despite the escalating violence, officials on all sides continue to signal that the war could last weeks or longer. With attacks expanding across multiple fronts and global energy markets under pressure, the conflict shows few signs of easing in the near future.