The conflict, now entering its third week, has shut down shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes, sending oil prices higher and raising fears of renewed global inflation.

Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said the military had detailed operational plans covering at least the next three weeks, with additional scenarios prepared for a longer campaign.

“We want to make sure that they are as weak as possible, this regime, and that we degrade all their capabilities, all parts and all wings of their security establishment,” Shoshani told reporters.

The Israeli military has framed the campaign as focused on degrading Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure, nuclear facilities and broader security apparatus. Officials say thousands of potential targets remain inside Iran.

Iran launched drone attacks targeting regional sites, temporarily shutting down Dubai airport and striking a key oil facility in the United Arab Emirates, according to reports cited by regional authorities.

The incidents underscored the widening regional impact of the conflict, which has drawn concern from energy markets and governments reliant on Gulf shipping lanes.

Air traffic at Dubai airport was briefly halted following the drone threat before operations resumed.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most significant economic consequences of the war.

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman handles roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the most strategically important energy chokepoints in the world.

The disruption has already pushed oil prices upward and intensified concerns among policymakers about inflationary pressure on global economies.

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Sunday for an international coalition to help reopen the shipping route, warning that the NATO alliance could face a “very bad” future if members fail to support Washington’s efforts.

Allies responded cautiously, expressing support for diplomatic initiatives to restore navigation through the Strait while signaling reluctance to commit to military action.Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had not requested a ceasefire and had exchanged no messages with Washington, according to Iran’s semi-official Student News Network.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that overnight Israeli strikes killed five people and wounded seven others in Markazi province in central Iran. The report said attacks struck a residential area on the outskirts of Arak city and a residential building in Mahallat county.

Israel has said its campaign remains focused on military and strategic infrastructure linked to Iran’s security apparatus.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said the younger Khamenei had issued only a written statement following the attacks and had not appeared publicly in audio or video since an Israeli strike early in the war killed members of his family, including his father, former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.

“We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,” Hegseth said. He added that the absence of a public appearance suggested the Iranian leader was injured and in hiding, questioning his legitimacy and ability to govern.Iranian officials have acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded but dispute the severity of the injuries.

Iran’s ambassador to Japan, Peyman Saadat, told Asahi TV that the Iranian leader had suffered injuries during the conflict but remained capable of carrying out his duties. “He is a functioning leader,” Saadat said, adding that his condition had not impaired his ability to govern.

Hegseth and Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. military operations in Iran have focused on degrading Tehran’s missile and drone capabilities as well as elements of its naval forces.

The briefing came as Washington increased military pressure on Iran following nearly two weeks of strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian military infrastructure.

Officials said additional U.S. firepower was being sent to the region as the conflict widened across the Middle East.

During the briefing, Hegseth said U.S. forces would continue their campaign without easing pressure on Iran’s military.

“We will keep pressing, keep pushing, keep advancing,” Hegseth said. “No quarter, no mercy for our enemy.

”The phrase “no quarter” refers to refusing to spare an opponent who attempts to surrender, a practice prohibited under the laws of armed conflict.

Reports during the conflict have indicated Iranian drone activity in several countries across the Gulf and Middle East, including Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman.

The fighting has also affected U.S. forces in the region. Six U.S. service members died in an aircraft crash in Iraq during the conflict, U.S. officials said.

Caccia, 68, previously served as the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations beginning in 2020 and earlier held a diplomatic posting in the Philippines, where he represented the Holy See during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, whose controversial anti-drug campaign drew international criticism.The appointment places Caccia in one of the Vatican’s most influential diplomatic roles, overseeing relations with the United States, a key global political and economic power and home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the world.Experienced diplomat moves to key postCaccia has spent decades in the Vatican’s diplomatic service, representing the Holy See in several countries and international forums. His tenure as the Vatican’s ambassador to the United Nations placed him at the center of global discussions on humanitarian crises, conflict resolution and multilateral cooperation.Before that role, Caccia served for two years as the Vatican’s envoy in Manila, a period that overlapped with Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.” The campaign, which Philippine authorities said targeted criminal networks, led to thousands of deaths and was widely criticized by human rights groups and international observers.During that time, the Vatican maintained diplomatic engagement with the Philippine government while continuing to emphasize the Church’s longstanding advocacy for the protection of human life and human dignity.

Caccia’s appointment comes at a moment when relations between the Vatican and Washington have been shaped by disagreements over international policy issues.The Vatican has recently criticized U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, reflecting the Holy See’s broader calls for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East. Vatican officials have frequently urged diplomatic solutions to conflicts and warned against actions that could intensify regional instability.Pope Leo has also voiced concern about several policy positions associated with the Trump administration, although the Holy See typically frames such comments in broader moral and humanitarian terms rather than direct political criticism.

As apostolic nuncio, Caccia will serve as the Vatican’s chief diplomatic representative to the United States and as a liaison between the Holy See and the American Catholic Church. The role typically involves managing diplomatic relations with the U.S. government while also playing a part in communication between the Vatican and U.S. bishops.The position has long been considered strategically important within the Vatican’s global diplomatic network, given the United States’ influence in international affairs and its role in shaping debates on security, economic policy and humanitarian initiatives.Caccia’s experience in multilateral diplomacy and his previous postings are expected to shape his approach as the Vatican navigates complex geopolitical developments and ongoing policy differences with Washington.