Has the US Bitten Off More Than It Can Chew in Iran? | DW News

Mar 13, 2026 | The first statement from Iran's new supreme leader was read out by a newsreader and Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear on camera. Reports say he was injured in the strikes that killed his father, the former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war. And now there's speculation whether Mojtaba himself is even alive.

Regardless who wrote the statement, it shows a regime that wants to project defiance and strength - saying Iran will keep retaliating, and use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage.

Donald Trump is also trying to project success as Iran keeps launching attacks across the Gulf. He says the US will benefit from higher oil prices - something the US public may disagree with, as the economic costs of the war mount.