US President Donald Trump has threatened to “retaliate” for the killing of three US soldiers in a military operation inside Iran, saying the military operation that began on Saturday will continue. Trump made the announcement in a pre-recorded video posted on his Truth Social account.
The president also told CNBC that the US military operation was “ahead of schedule,” indicating that Washington was satisfied with the progress of the offensive. The comments come amid heightened tensions following a series of joint US-Israeli strikes.
The attacks led to the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the most dramatic escalation in the Islamic Republic’s history since the 1979 revolution. Khamenei’s assassination quickly sparked a military response from Tehran, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes.
Reports say the large-scale strikes were launched late Saturday after Iran rejected US demands to curb or limit its nuclear program. The move appeared to further fuel an already tense standoff between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the US Congress is expected to vote next week on a war powers resolution to define the legal role of the ongoing operation. The move reflects a political debate in Washington over the scope and duration of the conflict.
The impact of the conflict has been felt widely in global markets, with thousands of flights canceled since the conflict began. Insurance companies have also increased insurance rates for oil tankers passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, pushing up oil prices.
Regional leaders and international stakeholders are closely watching the situation, wondering whether the war will be limited to Iran alone. It is also being examined whether the change in leadership in Tehran will lead to a new political direction, or will further harden the Iranian government’s position.
