Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is open to negotiations with surviving leaders of Iran following intensified U.S.–Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The air campaign, carried out alongside Israel, triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, including strikes launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Casualties have been reported on multiple sides as fears grow of a wider regional war.
Global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices rising and shipping disruptions reported near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for a significant share of the world’s oil supply. Several major shipping companies have paused navigation in the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations, while Trump indicated he would consider diplomatic engagement, saying discussions could begin with Iran’s reconstituted leadership.
Iranian officials, however, signaled resistance to negotiations, warning that the country would respond firmly to continued attacks even as it begins the process of selecting new leadership.
