During a live blog update, US President Donald Trump indicated that a significant escalation in military actions against Iran is forthcoming, suggesting that the current operations are just the beginning. This comes amid continuous missile strikes across the Middle East, with various nations voicing their readiness for further conflict. Trump emphasized that the US has yet to exert its full military power on the Iranian regime, contradicting earlier claims about the potential for a swift resolution.

The Pentagon has introduced what they refer to as 'Operation Epic Fury', with high-ranking officials asserting that this campaign is not aimed at regime change in Iran despite the elimination of key Iranian figures like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reassured that the US is preparing for a prolonged engagement but aimed to draw distinctions from past conflicts in Iraq, insisting that this operation would not turn into an unending military involvement.

Iran's response demonstrates their commitment to a sustained conflict, declaring readiness for a 'long war' and targeting US military installations in surrounding Gulf nations. Reports of Kuwait inadvertently downing US military aircraft add to the rising tensions and illustrate the precarious situation in the region, which is compounded by threats of escalating military actions from multiple parties involved in this unfolding crisis.