Leavitt was interviewed by Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures about the possibility of seeing American boots on the ground in the Middle East as the campaign develops.

“Mothers out there are worried that we’re going to have a draft, that they’re going to see their sons and daughters get involved in this,” Bartiromo said, seeking assurances and noting that the fight has solely consisted of an exchange of airstrikes so far.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been referred to as “wounded” on Israeli state media.

The term used to describe a person wounded in war is “janbaz” but reports have not clarified when or how Mr Khamenei sustained the injuries.

His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on 28 February. Mojtaba Khamenei’s mother, wife and daughter were also killed in the attack.

Asked by host Major Garrett on the likely duration of the war, Hegseth said: “Oh, we’re very much on track, on plan. We’re not flying a mission accomplished banner – like George W Bush on an aircraft carrier. We’re not doing that and we haven’t done that.

“But we can be clear with the American people that this is not a fair fight. And that’s on purpose. Our capabilities are overwhelming compared to what Iran’s are.”

Two medics have been killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, state media reported on Monday.

Health authorities said that the healthcare workers were killed as part of the ongoing conflict.

Nine health care workers have been killed so far and 16 others wounded including paramedics from the Lebanese Red Cross, according to the country’s health ministry.

His wife Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh and Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife Zahra Adel were also killed in the attacks, according to Iran.

The younger Khamenei, 56, was selected as the supreme leader by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, state media reported.

Prime minister Keir Starmer is working with partners to limit the economic impact of the Iran crisis, he said on Monday.

“The longer the conflict goes on, the more likely the potential for an impact for the economy,” he said.

He said the the UK was speaking to its international partners in order to limit impact to the economy.

The aftershocks of a devastating attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure is being felt across Tehran.

“It is raining oil in Tehran this morning after major airstrikes on oil facilities in the South and West of the Iranian capital,” said CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen.

The footage appears to show black water and rain.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new leader.

“I am confident that you will continue your father’s work with honour and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials,” he said on Monday.

“For my part, I would like to confirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”

One person has been killed in central Israel, according to Israel’s ambulance service.

The death came following missile fire towards the country.

Heavy explosions have been heard across Iran’s capital of Tehran, according to reports by AFP.

Several parts of the city reported blasts but it is not clear what was targeted at the time of reporting.