Middle East crisis deepens: U.S., Israel target key Iranian figures

Middle East 08-03-2026 | 10:40

Middle East crisis deepens: U.S., Israel target key Iranian figures

Pentagon reports escalating costs while American officials highlight Iran’s remaining military strength; Trump demands cooperative leaders.
Middle East crisis deepens: U.S., Israel target key Iranian figures
Tehran. (AP)
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The New York Times, citing American and Israeli officials, reported today, Sunday, that “the first strike targeting Iran led to the deaths of figures whom the White House considered more prepared to enter negotiations, complicating the crisis trajectory.”

 

Pentagon officials stated that “the first week of the war cost about $6 billion, amid escalating military operations in the region.”

 

 

American officials added that “Iran still retains about half of its missile program and a larger percentage of its drone capabilities, despite strikes on military sites.”

 

Trump. (AP)
Trump. (AP)

 

The newspaper also quoted American military officials saying that “the coming days will be crucial in determining Iran’s ability to launch an impactful missile barrage.”

 

It continued, “that American President Donald Trump insists on the presence of cooperative Iranian leaders, indicating he is not ready for a quick resolution.”

 

Trump vowed that Iran would face strong strikes, threatening to expand the scope of the attack initiated by the United States and Israel more than a week ago to include new targets.

 

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