US Secretary of Defense Guarantees Iran Will Surrender and Trump Sets Terms for Middle East Conflict

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The conflict in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Sunday as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted that Iran will ultimately have no choice but to surrender, with President Donald Trump determining the terms of their defeat.

Speaking in a rare interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Hegseth emphasized that the United States is “fighting to win” and will continue operations until Iranian forces are rendered combat-ineffective.

“It means we set the terms,” Hegseth said. “Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, President Trump will determine the conditions of their surrender.”

Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader Amid Missile Strikes

Hours after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the nation’s Assembly of Experts announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, the second eldest son of the late Ayatollah, will take over as Supreme Leader.

At 56, Mojtaba has close ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) but has never held an official role in the regime.

Iran immediately retaliated to the US and Israeli strikes by launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Sirens sounded across Tel Aviv as multiple waves of attacks struck central and northern Israel, while hundreds of drones were intercepted by local defense forces.

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Rising Tensions Fuel Global Oil Market Concerns

The attacks have already sent oil prices surging above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, marking a sharp increase in gasoline costs in the United States.

Production from Iran’s main oil fields has plummeted, with output falling 70% to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day. Experts warn that ongoing conflict could drive prices even higher, potentially reaching $150 per barrel if the war continues.

President Trump, however, sought to reassure the public, calling the price surge “a very small price to pay for USA, and World, Safety and Peace” and predicting a rapid decline once Iran’s nuclear threat is neutralized.

High-Profile Iranian Military Figures Killed

In the latest air strikes, Abu al-Qassem Baba’iyan, head of Iran’s Military Office and Chief of Staff of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, was reportedly killed by Israeli forces. His death represents a major blow to Iran’s military leadership amid an intensifying conflict.

Meanwhile, Iranian drone attacks caused injuries and property damage in Bahrain, targeting the island of Sitra, and prompted evacuations at the US diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Defense Ministry reported drone attacks against the US embassy in Riyadh, which led to temporary closures and Americans being ordered to shelter in place.

Impact and Consequences

The recent escalation has profound geopolitical, humanitarian, and economic ramifications:

Regional instability: Missile and drone strikes across the Gulf have heightened tensions with Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Energy markets: Oil production disruptions have driven prices past $100 per barrel, affecting global markets and consumer costs.
Civilian risk: Drone attacks have caused injuries and property damage, demonstrating the danger to civilian populations.
US foreign policy: President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s hardline stance signals potential for further military escalation.

What’s Next?

Analysts anticipate several key developments in the coming days:

Iran consolidating power under Mojtaba Khamenei while coordinating IRGC operations.
Further US and Israeli strikes on strategic military and energy sites within Iran.
Regional governments, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, strengthening air defense systems and contingency plans.
Continued volatility in global oil prices if the conflict persists.
Possible international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions or broker temporary ceasefires.

Summary

Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s Supreme Leader comes amid a period of unprecedented military escalation.

The United States, under President Trump’s guidance, is demanding unconditional surrender, while Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region.

Oil markets have reacted sharply, civilian populations are at risk, and the conflict threatens to destabilize the Middle East further.

Bulleted Takeaways

US Secretary of Defense Hegseth confirmed Iran will surrender and Trump will set terms.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, named as new Supreme Leader despite having no official role in the regime.
Iran retaliates with missiles and drones against Israel and the UAE after US-Israeli airstrikes.
Abu al-Qassem Baba’iyan, Iranian military chief, killed in Israeli strikes.
Oil prices surge above $100 per barrel due to disrupted production and closed export routes.
US diplomats ordered out of Saudi Arabia amid drone attacks on Riyadh embassy.
IRGC pledges full loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei and readiness for military engagement.
Global markets and civilian safety remain highly vulnerable amid escalating tensions.