Where things stand after another weekend of war in the Middle East

The Middle East conflict entered its 10th day with significant political and military developments over the weekend. Iran's leadership announced Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country's new supreme leader, despite U.S. President Donald Trump previously calling him 'unacceptable.' The succession comes amid visible rifts within Iran's leadership, with President Masoud Pezeshkian apologizing for attacks on neighbors while hardliners vowed to continue the war strategy. The new supreme leader, who hasn't been seen publicly since the war began, inherits both the ongoing conflict and domestic unrest following Iran's crackdown on major protests earlier this year.

Military escalation continued with both sides striking new targets, including civilian infrastructure. Israel attacked oil depots in Tehran, causing thick smoke and environmental alerts, while Iran was accused by Bahrain of hitting a crucial desalination plant. The conflict's economic impact became more pronounced as oil prices surged above $100 per barrel. Regional casualties mounted with the U.S. announcing another soldier's death and Saudi Arabia reporting its first fatalities. In Lebanon, where Iranian-backed Hezbollah operates, authorities report over 500,000 people displaced and more than 300 killed. The Israeli military's chief of staff warned that the war 'will take a long time,' indicating no quick resolution is in sight.