President Trump said the United States is prepared to continue striking Iran for as long as necessary, signaling that the expanding conflict could last weeks or longer. He said the campaign aims to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and curb its support for militant groups across the Middle East. He declined to rule out sending ground troops and warned that larger waves of airstrikes were imminent.

Defense officials said the operation is still in its early stages, with additional American forces deploying to the region. While the defense secretary insisted the conflict would not become another prolonged war, military leaders acknowledged more casualties were likely. Six American service members have been killed so far, and hundreds of targets inside Iran have been struck.

The fighting has spread beyond Iran, with exchanges involving Israel, Lebanon and several Gulf nations. Iranian drones and missiles have targeted energy facilities and military bases, disrupting oil and gas production and rattling global markets. Civilian casualties are mounting across the region, and tens of thousands have been displaced in Lebanon.

Iranian leaders rejected the possibility of negotiations and said they were prepared for a long war. As international concern grows over damage to civilian infrastructure and the risk of a wider regional conflict, critics have questioned the administration's long term strategy.