The war that started in Iran has now spread to Lebanon, Cyprus, and the Gulf in just 48 hours, and Trump is warning Americans it’s not ending soon

The conflict that began in Iran has grown fast, now reaching Lebanon, Cyprus, and the Gulf within just 48 hours. President Trump has made it clear that this military campaign, called “Operation Epic Fury,” will go on for at least four weeks, and possibly longer.

Israel launched new air strikes on Tehran and expanded its operations to target Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Hezbollah admitted to firing missiles and drones at Israel, saying it was retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel stated that Hezbollah is “fully responsible for any escalation” and urged residents in dozens of southern and eastern Lebanese villages to evacuate.

On Monday morning, air raid sirens went off across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iran’s state media confirmed that new missiles were launched from central parts of the country toward “enemy locations.” According to Reuters, explosions were reported in Tehran, Dubai, and Doha. Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted hostile drones, marking the third straight day of Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighboring Gulf states.

The conflict is now reaching far beyond the Middle East, with serious global consequences

Even the Royal Air Force base Akrotiri in Cyprus was reportedly hit by a drone strike overnight. Authorities said damage was limited and there were no casualties. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed they hit three U.S. and UK oil tankers in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, along with attacking military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

This has sent oil prices rising sharply. Shipping data shows hundreds of vessels, including oil and gas tankers, dropping anchor in nearby waters. Major Middle Eastern airports like Dubai have shut down, causing one of the biggest aviation disruptions in recent memory, and Asian airline shares have already fallen.

Three U.S. service personnel were killed on a base in Kuwait, marking the first American casualties of this campaign. President Trump called them “true American patriots” but warned that more casualties are likely, saying, “That’s the way it is.” 

The extended campaign could carry political risk for Trump’s Republican party, especially with U.S. midterm elections coming up, and only about one in four Americans currently approve of the operation. Trump has also faced scrutiny over his recent foreign policy moves, such as sending a hospital boat to Greenland amid a diplomatic standoff.

Trump has called on Iran’s military and police, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, to stop fighting. He promised immunity for those who surrender and threatened “certain death” for those who resist. He also said he might eventually speak with new potential leadership in Iran, but only after the campaign runs its course.

Inside Iran, the country is dealing with a power vacuum following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. A temporary leadership council has taken over his duties. However, Ali Larijani, an adviser to Khamenei, posted on social media that Iran will not negotiate with Trump, calling the U.S. president’s goals “delusional.”

Back home, Trump’s political standing continues to be shaped by unexpected moments, including a surprising gift that won Trump’s enthusiasm from a New York City mayoral candidate in a debate over housing. Some analysis of Iranian social media suggests the public is already thinking about who will replace Khamenei, though how the broader population will respond remains unclear.