Donald Trump vows the United States will force Iran into surrender as explosions rock Tehran during escalating Middle East war

The conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran is intensifying as military operations move into their second week.

Speaking publicly about the ongoing offensive, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that Iran will eventually be forced to surrender under the pressure of the joint campaign.

During an interview on the television program 60 Minutes with journalist Major Garrett, Hegseth explained that Washington’s objective is simple: win the conflict and dictate the terms of its conclusion.

According to him, the strategy is aimed at weakening Iran to the point where it becomes unable to continue fighting.

“There will come a moment when they simply cannot carry on,” he said, emphasizing that surrender would become inevitable once Iran’s military capacity is exhausted.

Trump Says the Final Decision Will Be Mutual

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that any decision about ending the war will be made in coordination with Israel.

Trump confirmed he has been in close discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about how the conflict should conclude.

Speaking to media outlets, Trump hinted that while the U.S. will consider Israel’s views, he will ultimately decide when and how the military campaign ends.

The White House has framed the operation as an effort to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities—an issue that has long dominated tensions between Tehran and Western powers.

Military Options Still on the Table

Hegseth also made it clear that the United States is keeping every possible military option open, including deploying ground troops if necessary.

While no such deployment has been announced, he said it would be irresponsible for the Pentagon to rule anything out during an active war.

The Defense Secretary warned that casualties are unavoidable in conflicts of this scale, adding that Americans must be prepared for difficult losses.

The comments came just a day after Hegseth and Trump attended a solemn ceremony honoring U.S. troops killed in the conflict at Dover Air Force Base.

U.S. Troops Killed as Conflict Expands

The remains of six American service members who died in Kuwait were returned to their families during the ceremony.

The victims included Nicole Amor, Cody Khork, Declan Coady, Robert Marzan, Jeffrey O’Brien, and Noah Tietjens.

In addition, another U.S. service member later died from injuries sustained in an Iranian attack on American forces stationed in Saudi Arabia earlier in March.

The deaths underscore the growing risks for U.S. personnel stationed across the Middle East, where military bases have increasingly become targets since the start of the joint operation.

Regional Tensions Spread Across the Middle East

As the war continues, the conflict is spilling beyond Iran’s borders.

Air raid sirens were heard across Israel overnight as Iranian forces launched drones and missiles.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting several drones aimed at strategic locations.

In Iraq, air defenses shot down a drone near a U.S.-operated facility at Baghdad International Airport.

Security concerns have also prompted U.S. officials to advise American personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia due to rising safety risks.

Tehran Rocked by Explosions and Fires

Iran itself has suffered extensive damage from the ongoing strikes.

Over the weekend, multiple explosions tore through the capital city, Tehran, after oil and fuel depots were hit.

Huge fireballs lit up the night sky while thick smoke hung over the city.

Residents reported a strong burning smell in the air as emergency crews struggled to control the fires.

The strikes are part of the wider campaign by the U.S. and Israel to cripple Iran’s military infrastructure and energy capabilities.

Key Iranian Military Figure Reportedly Killed

The Israeli military announced that Abu al‑Qassem Baba’iyan was killed in one of the latest strikes.

He headed Iran’s Military Office and also served as Chief of Staff at the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

If confirmed, his death would represent one of the most significant blows to Iran’s command structure since the start of the conflict.

Iran Appoints a New Supreme Leader

Amid the escalating war, Iran moved quickly to install new leadership.

The country’s Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader.

Mojtaba, the second son of the late former leader Ali Khamenei, is known for his strong ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Despite not holding major political office previously, Mojtaba has long been viewed by analysts as an influential figure behind the scenes in Iranian politics.

Crowds in Tehran celebrated the announcement, chanting his name and pledging loyalty to the new leadership.

Iran Warns of Oil Market Chaos

Iran’s military has also issued a stark warning to the international community.

Officials say that if Israeli strikes continue targeting Iranian energy facilities, Tehran could retaliate by attacking oil infrastructure across the Middle East.

Military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari cautioned that such actions could drive global oil prices above $200 per barrel—a scenario that would send shockwaves through the world economy.

Given that the Middle East produces a significant portion of the world’s oil supply, any disruption could quickly trigger global energy shortages and economic instability.

Impact and Consequences

The war is already reshaping geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

First, energy markets are under pressure as traders fear attacks on oil infrastructure.

Even the threat of disruptions has pushed volatility higher in global energy prices.

Second, regional security is deteriorating rapidly.

Countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are becoming indirect battlegrounds as drones and missiles cross borders.

Third, the humanitarian cost continues to grow.

Civilian populations in several countries now face heightened risks as military targets expand.

Finally, global diplomacy is under strain.

Major powers including Russia, China, and European nations have called for restraint, fearing the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.

What’s Next?

The coming days will likely determine the direction of the conflict.

Several scenarios are possible:

• The U.S. and Israel may intensify strikes to accelerate Iran’s military collapse.

• Iran could expand retaliation against regional energy sites or foreign bases.

• Diplomatic pressure from global powers may push both sides toward negotiations.

• The war could widen if additional regional actors become involved.

For now, both sides appear determined to continue fighting, making a quick resolution unlikely.

Summary

The United States and Israel are pressing forward with a joint military campaign against Iran, now entering its second week.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists the strategy will eventually force Tehran to surrender, while President Donald Trump says the final decision on ending the war will come after consultations with Israeli leaders.

Meanwhile, Iran is responding with drone attacks across the region, warning that further strikes on its oil infrastructure could trigger a wider energy crisis.

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader signals that Tehran is preparing for a prolonged confrontation.

With casualties mounting and tensions spreading across multiple countries, the conflict is quickly becoming one of the most volatile crises in the Middle East in years.

Bulleted Takeaways

• The U.S. and Israel’s military campaign against Iran has entered its second week.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Iran will eventually be forced to surrender.

• President Donald Trump says ending the war will involve discussions with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

• Multiple U.S. troops have already died in the conflict, highlighting rising risks.

• Strikes in Tehran have damaged energy infrastructure and killed key Iranian military figures.

• Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader.

• Tehran warns it may attack regional oil facilities if strikes continue.

• The conflict threatens global energy markets and regional stability.