President Donald Trump said he wants new leadership in Iran as fighting in the Middle East intensified overnight, with fresh strikes reported in both Iran and Lebanon.
Speaking to NBC News, Trump said the goal of the campaign is broader than military targets, suggesting major political change in Tehran. “I want to clean out everything,” Trump said when asked about Iran’s leadership, adding he would prefer a leader “who would do a good job.”
The remarks came as Israeli and U.S. military operations continued across the region, expanding the conflict and raising concerns about further escalation.
The war is already affecting the global economy. Gas prices in the United States have surged, reaching the highest level recorded during either of Trump’s presidencies, driven by fears of disruption to Middle East energy supplies.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration saw its first major cabinet shake-up of the president’s second term.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was dismissed on Thursday, and Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers failed to advance a war powers resolution this week that aimed to limit further U.S. military action against Iran.
The House also passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security, though the measure faces uncertain prospects in the Senate.
Trump is scheduled to hold a meeting and roundtable discussion on college sports on Friday before traveling to Florida for the weekend.
