Jackie Northam

But he says the war will continue until his objectives are met.

You know, it's clear Trump doesn't want to get mired down in a protracted conflict in the Middle East.

And in an interview with The New York Times on Sunday, he said the military intends to sustain its assault on Iran for, quote, four to five weeks if necessary.

I spoke with Richard Fontaine, who's the CEO of the Center for a New American Security, and he says Trump reopening negotiations would be a sign that Iran is less of a threat and the U.S.

could get a better deal.

Here he is.

You know, we're only three days into this war, and Iran appears to be digging in, you know, so there's still the potential that this war will further escalate.

Thank you.

Ayatollah Khamenei held a tight grip on power since 1989 and was unwavering in his antipathy to the U.S.

and Israel.

Khamenei lacked religious credentials when he became supreme leader, but was cunning and able to outwit other senior political figures in the Islamic Republic and build up his power base to become the longest-serving leader in the Middle East.

Khamenei's close ties to the Revolutionary Guards allowed Iran's military to develop a vast commercial empire in control of many parts of the economy.

Khamenei also built up Iran's defensive policies, such as developing proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas and its huge arsenal of ballistic weapons.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei also had the final word on anything to do with Iran's nuclear program.

Jackie Northam, NPR News.

Ayatollah Khamenei held a tight grip on power since 1989 and was unwavering in his antipathy to the U.S.

and Israel.

Khamenei lacked religious credentials when he became supreme leader, but was cunning and able to outwit other senior political figures in the Islamic Republic and build up his power base to become the longest-serving leader in the Middle East.

Khamenei's close ties to the Revolutionary Guards allowed Iran's military to develop a vast commercial empire in control of many parts of the economy.

Khamenei also built up Iran's defensive policies, such as developing proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas and its huge arsenal of ballistic weapons.