Seventh U.S. service member dies as Iran conflict escalates; oil prices surge past $100

The United States is mourning the loss of a seventh American service member as fighting between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to intensify.

(NBC)- The United States is mourning the loss of a seventh American service member as fighting between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to intensify.

U.S. Central Command says the service member died from injuries sustained during an Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia about a week ago. The announcement comes shortly after a dignified transfer ceremony was held for six other troops killed in the early days of the conflict.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the loss of life while addressing the ongoing war.

“It’s part of war. It’s a sad part of war. It’s the bad part of war,” Trump said.

The president also did not rule out the possibility of sending U.S. ground troops into Iran if necessary.

“Possibly, for very good reason — it would have to be a very good reason,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Iran has named a new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes. Iranian state media reports Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, has taken over the role.

The development comes despite calls from President Trump that the U.S. should have a say in Iran’s new leadership. Iran’s foreign minister rejected that idea and said the country would continue fighting unless a broader resolution is reached.

“Unless we get to that, I think we need to continue fighting for the sake of our people and our security,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The escalating conflict is also affecting global markets. Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four years as tensions threaten major shipping routes in the region.

Across the United States, gas prices have risen nearly 50 cents per gallon in the past week on average.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration believes the spike could be temporary.

“In the worst case, this is weeks — this is not a months thing,” Wright said.

However, some lawmakers warn the war is already impacting the U.S. economy. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia says Americans are seeing ripple effects from the conflict.

“We’re now seeing the ripple effects of this war with higher gas prices, with declining job numbers,” Warner said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to provide a timeline for the conflict, saying military operations will continue as long as necessary.

“You don’t tell anybody what your limits would be on an operation. We’re willing to go as far as we need to in order to be successful,” Hegseth said.