Doug Krisner

Financial markets were expected to de-risk in reaction to U.S.-Israeli military operations against the Islamic Republic.

And that was the case when trading began in the Asia-Pacific.

The mood, though, became less bearish when the New York Times reported President Trump is open to dropping sanctions on Iran if the new Iranian leadership is pragmatic.

And at the same time, Iran's security chief has reportedly made a fresh push to resume nuclear talks with Washington.

The Wall Street Journal reports the outreach was made through Omani mediators.

Meantime, in Beirut, Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel early on Monday.

The militant group said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader and for repeated Israeli aggressions.

Now, in response, the U.S.

and Israel launched a barrage of strikes

on Lebanon's capital.

Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kaine will hold a press conference on Operation Epic Fury Monday morning at 8 a.m.

Eastern Time.

Meantime, three American service members have been killed in action during operations against the Islamic Republic

The U.S.

Central Command did not say where they were killed or under what circumstances.

Five others were seriously wounded.

At the same time, President Trump said the U.S.

sank nine Iranian naval vessels.

In a post earlier on Truth Social, Trump also said Iran's naval headquarters was destroyed in a separate attack.

Now, these developments came during the second day of bombings across Iran.