US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to hold talks with Iran’s surviving leaders after heavy US-Israeli airstrikes killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has entered a dangerous phase, with Iran launching missile attacks in response.
Israel has expanded strikes to Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets toward northern Israel. Casualties are rising on both sides, with reports of civilian deaths in Iran and Israeli fatalities from missile counterattacks. US forces have also confirmed military casualties.
Despite the violence, Trump signaled openness to negotiations, saying Iranian leaders want to talk and that discussions could happen soon. However, Iranian officials have publicly rejected negotiations, accusing the US and Israel of aggression.
The war has shaken global markets, pushing oil prices higher and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions grow, fears remain over further casualties and wider regional instability.
