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U.S. Iran conflict escalates with military strikes and counterattacks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the hardest hits from the U.S. military are yet to come, signaling a prolonged campaign. President Trump expects operations to last four to five weeks, potentially longer. The conflict has already impacted global markets significantly. Energy prices surged as attacks targeted critical infrastructure including Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery, which processes over half a million barrels daily. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was struck by drones, and hundreds of thousands of airline passengers remain stranded globally. Military objectives include destroying Iran's missile capabilities, eliminating its navy, preventing nuclear development, and stopping support for groups like Hezbollah.