India, March 3 -- The conflict in the Middle East has entered a volatile new phase, with the United States and Israel intensifying their military campaign against Iran and Tehran striking back across the region. What began as a targeted operation has rapidly expanded, drawing in Gulf states and threatening infrastructure vital to global energy supplies.

US President Donald Trump said Washington has "the capability to go far longer" than the initially projected four-to-five-week timeline for operations against Iran, signaling that the confrontation may not end quickly.

The remarks came as US and Israeli forces continued strikes following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while Iran and its regional allies launc...