Motorists drive along an expressway as plumes of smoke rise after a strike in Tehran on March 5, 2026. Photo: ATTA KENARE / AFP / Getty Images
The latest developments as Operation Epic Fury continues:
White House: No Plan For U.S. Ground Troops In Iran
White House saying American boots on the ground in Iran are not part of the plan at this time. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced yesterday that President will preside over the dignified transfer of the six American soldiers killed in the operation so far. She said the State Department is working hard to bring American civilians home from the Middle East as the conflict rolls on.
Trump Backs Kurdish Offensive In Iran
President Trump supports the Kurds launching an offensive inside Iran. A coalition of Iranian Kurdish groups have reportedly been in touch with the administration over a potential incursion into Western Iran. During an interview with Reuters on Thursday, President Trump said, "I think it's wonderful that they want to do that, I'd be all for it." Multiple news outlets reported that the CIA has given small arms to Iranian Kurdish militias as part of a secretive push to destabilize the Islamic Republic. However, when asked if Washington would supply air support for a potential Kurdish offensive against the Iranian regime, Trump responded, "I can't tell you that."
Iran's FM: Confident It Can Counter Potential Ground Invasion
Iran's foreign minister says his country is confident it can counter any potential U.S. ground invasion. Speaking in an interview with NBC News, he said Iran has not asked for ceasefire and there's no plans for any negotiations with the U.S. The foregin minister said his country has never had a positive experience when holding talks with American officials. He added there's "no winner" in this conflict and their goal is to resist against Israeli and U.S. forces, which he said they have done.
Trump Wants Involvement In Khamenei Successor Selection
President Trump says he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next supreme leader. The president was responding to reports that late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son is set to take the role, which Trump told Axios was "unacceptable." Although Trump acknowledged that 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei was the most likely successor, he said, "we want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran." The president says he has to be involved in the appointment but also shared with reporters at the White House that "most of the people we had in mind are dead" when asked about his potential picks to succeed Khamenei.
Canada And Australia Call For Iran War De-escalation
Canadian and Australian prime ministers Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese are calling for de-escalation in the war in Iran. According to a statement from Carney's office, the meeting came as part of a three-nation trip largely focused on trade. Albanese added that he and his counterpart want "to see Iran cease to spread the destinations of its attacks" while both agreeing that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. When asked by a reporter about Canadian military intervention Carney said, "one can never categorically rule out participation," and he added, "we will stand by our allies when it makes sense."
New York Governor Says State Is Prepared For Possible Iran Attack
Governor Kathy Hochul says the state is prepared should there be an attack on New York by Iran. Hochul says she is concerned and the state is operating under a high security alert following the U.S. Israeli attack on Iran. She adds there are no known credible threats at this time. Hochul says law enforcement agencies and cyber security experts are prepared for an emergency and monitoring online chatter. Hochul says the state is exposed while pointing out it is home to more than one million Muslims and has the heaviest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel.
U.S. Gas Prices Soar During Iran Conflict
Gas prices are soaring across the U.S. since the start of the military operation against Iran. Triple-A reports the national average jumped nearly 27-cents since last week to three-25 a gallon. We haven't seen a similar weekly jump since March of 2022 during the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. "Politico" reports the Trump administration is considering a temporary holiday on the gasoline tax to ease prices.