Headlines From The Times

Iran War Update: Trump Says End Is Near as US Launches Massive Strikes and Ross Stores Sets Expansion Plans

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that Tuesday will be the “most intense” day of strikes on Iran. When asked about the timeline of the conflict, Hegseth and President Trump have given mixed messages. On Monday, Trump told CBS News that the war with Iran is “very complete,” before reversing course later in the day. Meanwhile, AI company Anthropic is suing the Department of Defense after being labeled a supply chain risk last week. The company alleges the government violated its First Amendment rights following disputes over how federal agencies could use Anthropic’s technology. In business, Ross has opened two new locations in Alhambra and North Hollywood as part of a national plan to launch 110 stores this year, and Beyond Meat officially rebranded as "Beyond The Plant Protein Co." to reflect its expansion into protein drinks and bars. Read more at https://LATimes.com.

Oil Prices Soar Past $100 Per Barrel, Iran Taps New Supreme Leader and Labubu Maker Has a New HQ

Oil prices surged Monday as the war in Iran escalates. Brent crude, the international benchmark, briefly climbed near $120 a barrel after Iran announced Mojtaba Khamenei will succeed his father as Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, travelers at some airports across the U.S. reported hours-long security lines as TSA agents prepare to go without pay during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. In business, Chinese Labubu maker Pop Mart has opened its 22,000-square-foot U.S. headquarters in Culver City, and Grocery Outlet announced it will close 36 underperforming stores by the end of the year. Read more at https://LATimes.com.

U.S. Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean, California’s Wine Industry is Running Dry

The war on Iran continues to quickly escalate into a broader regional conflict. Iran is accusing the United States of an "atrocity at sea" after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Civilian casualties from Israeli and U.S. attacks have topped 1,000, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Meanwhile, Paramount's deal to purchase Warner Brothers Discovery could soon bring two of the most powerful networks in television news, CNN and CBS News, together under one roof — forcing the longtime competitors into a potentially complex partnership. The Los Angeles City Council recognized the Brady Bunch home as a historic cultural landmark. California wineries are facing severe decline due to grape oversupply, decreased demand from younger consumers, and international trade boycott. And, Varda Space Industries has leased a former Mattel plant in El Segundo to scale its operations. Read more at https://LATimes.com.

Iranian Death Toll Surpasses 700; Iran Attacks U.S. Embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

The United States' war on Iran is quickly expanding into a regional conflict. On its fourth day, Iran attacked the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coming after their attack on the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. In total, over 700 Iranians have been killed as of Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Texas, as voters head to the polls to cast their ballots in one of the first primary elections in the country. The race has already become the most expensive primary in U.S. history, with more than $15 million spent on advertising, according to AdImpact. Democrats haven't won a statewide election since 1994, and they're hoping to make history in November. In business, California gas prices may rise due to the U.S. war on Iran, and Paramount plans to merge its streaming platform with HBO Max as part of its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Read more at https://LATimes.com.

Special Report: Iran & U.S. Exchange Attacks After Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed

Over the weekend, the United States and Israel attacked Iran, killing the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, over 500 Iranians, four U.S. soldiers, and at least 11 Israelis have been killed, according to reports. Iran has retaliated by striking at least six U.S. military facilities across the Middle East and attacking luxury hotels and airports in Dubai. President Trump says the U.S. military will continue to attack Iran for four to five weeks, if necessary. And, already the war is having dramatic effects on global markets, with oil and gas prices surging nearly 10%. However, about 20% of the world's oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has effectively been shut down. In business, compounding factors are driving car insurance prices up in California, and Coco Robotics introduced Coco 2, an upgraded version of its autonomous food delivery robot. Read more at https://LATimes.com.