UNCOVERED: Iran us war latest tehran calls trump peace talk claims fake news as president sets new deadline to end war | History Defined

Iran has finally exposed the limits of Trump’s power

Mapped: What countries Iranian missiles could hit after warning they pose ‘global threat’

I’m a defence expert, here is why I’m worried about Iran’s missiles reaching London

What Trump actually means by ‘victory’ in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran

Key Points

• Oil drops to $97 a barrel
• Trump offered Tehran 15-point ceasefire plan
• Fire breaks out at Kuwait airport after airstrike
• Trump says Iran has agreed to never get nuclear weapons
• Pentagon reportedly orders about 2,000 soldiers to help in Iran war
• Iran says US in contact after denying peace talks were ongoing

Trump says Iran has agreed to never get nuclear weapons

US president Donald Trump claims that Iran has agreed to his biggest demand to stop the war on Tehran.

“They’ve agreed,” he said. “They will never have a nuclear weapon. They’ve agreed to that," he said.

Tehran has not release any information regarding the alleged concession after previously denying even talking to the US.

“We’re actually talking to the right people and they want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea how badly they want to make a deal,” Mr Trump said.

The New York Times reported that Washington sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East. Israel's Channel 12, quoting three sources, said the US was seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the 15-point plan.

The Israeli media outlet said the plan would include the dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme, ceasing support for proxy groups, such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February after claiming they had failed to make enough headway in talks aimed at ending Iran's nuclear programme, although mediator Oman said significant progress had been made.

Pakistan could host Iran ceasefire talks next week - report

Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready to "facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks" to end the Iran war.

The US has agreed in principle to join talks in Pakistan, according to three Pakistani officials, one Egyptian official and a Gulf diplomat, while mediators were still working to convince Iran, the Associated Press reported.

One diplomat from the region said the talks could happen by early next week, and that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US.

Ex-defense intelligence director concerned US troops will be sent to Middle East to 'die for no reason'

A former executive director of the US Defense Intelligence Agency has said he’s concerned American service members will be sent to the Middle East to “die for no reason.”

The Pentagon has ordered about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to help in the Iran war, The New York Times reported.

This is on top of the roughly 2,500 Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit that are reportedly set to arrive in the Middle East this week.

“I’m very worried that Trump is gearing up to send hundreds, if not thousands, of U.S. troops to die for no reason”, Major Harrison Mann told CNN. “Every option we've heard the Trump administration discuss for employing these troops sounds foolhardy and dangerous”.

Philippines buys Russian oil after declaring state of emergency

Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of national energy emergency in ‌response to the Middle East conflict and what he called an "imminent danger" posed to the country's energy supply.

The first shipment of Russian crude oil in five years arrived in the Philippines yesterday as Manila appears to seek an alternative supply source.

Mr Marcos yesterday said a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products and other ​essential goods.

He said the conflict had created uncertainty ​in global energy markets, severe supply-chain disruption and significant volatility and upward pressure on ⁠international oil prices, "thereby posing a threat to the country's energy security".

"The declaration of a state of national ​energy emergency will enable the government...to implement responsive and coordinated measures under existing laws to address the risks ​posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy," he said.

Oil drops to $97 a barrel

Stocks rose and oil fell this morning on reports of a US diplomatic push to end the war with Iran.

Brent crude fell about ‌7 per cent to $97 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was near $87.S&P 500 futures rose 0.9 per cent in the Asia morning as European futures lifted 1.2 per cent.

Trump's ex-adviser warns Iran will continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons without regime change

John Bolton, US President Donald Trump's former national security adviser turned foe, has warned Iran will continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons without regime change.

“If you leave this wounded animal in Tehran able to recover, it will return to the nuclear weapons program, return to its terrorism, and now its third big threat, closing the Strait of Hormuz”, Bolton told CNN.

Trump has claimed regime change in Iran, given that its leaders have been killed in the war.

But Bolton said, “This is a regime based on a radical Islamicist ideology, and it’s deeply inculcated in the ranks of the ayatollahs, in the civil government, in the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“Trump doesn’t have a philosophy, so I don’t even think he understands what motivates these people. The faces may change, but the ideology remains the same. The regime will change when the ayatollahs and Revolutionary Guard are gone, and we’re not at that point yet”.

Fire breaks out at Kuwait airport after airstrike

A fire erupted at Kuwait International Airport after drones hit a fuel tank, the Gulf state's civil aviation authority said this morning.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the attack had caused only "limited" damage and no casualties.

Firefighters were working to bring the blaze under control, spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi told AFP.

The Kuwait National Guard said in a statement that its forces intercepted six drones early this morning, and the army said air defences were "responding to hostile missile and drone attacks".

US Senate Democrats' effort to rein in Trump's Iran war failed for third time

US Senate Democrats' effort to rein in President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran has failed for the third time.

A War Powers resolution, which would have required congressional approval for further attacks on Iran, failed to advance in a 47-53 vote Tuesday evening local time.

Iran rather negotiate with JD Vance over Trump's special envoy and son-in-law: report

Iran would rather negotiate with US Vice President JD Vance over Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to a new CNN report.

Representatives from Iran reportedly told the Trump administration their preference, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN, “President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States”.

“As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved”, she added.

Trump offered Tehran 15-point ceasefire plan

The Trump administration has offered Tehran a 15-point ceasefire plan, according to reports.

The plan includes Iran dismantling its main nuclear sites and ending uranium enrichment, temporarily ending its ballistic missile program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials.

As part of the plan, Iranian nuclear-related sanctions would be lifted, and the US would help with the country’s civilian nuclear program, according to the publication.

US military shares photo of fighter aircraft flown in Iran war

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor prepares for a combat flight during Operation Epic Fury, March 15. pic.twitter.com/GbUmbWEDRv

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 24, 2026

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 9 and injure dozens more, local officials say

Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 9 and injured dozens more, the Associated Press reported, citing the country’s health ministry.

Three people reportedly died, and another 18 were wounded in Nabatiyeh province in the recent strikes.

Another six were killed, and five were injured in Sidon province, the AP reported, and 29 others were wounded in Tyre province.

More than 1,000 people in Lebanon have been killed and nearly 3,000 others injured since March 2 in Israel’s bombing campaign, the Lebanese health ministry said.

Pentagon orders about 2,000 soldiers to help in Iran war: report

The Pentagon has ordered about 2,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to help in the Iran war, two defense officials told The New York Times Tuesday local time.

The brigade can send paratroopers and equipment anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

This deployment is on top of the roughly 2,500 Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit that are reportedly set to arrive in the Middle East this week.

Nearly 300 American troops injured in Iran war, US military says

Nearly 300 American troops have been injured since the Iran war started more than three weeks ago, according to the US military.

A spokesperson for the US Central Command told several outlets that of the 290 service members who have been wounded, 255 have returned to duty.

There have also been 13 US service members killed amid the war.

WATCH: Trump wants out of this war, Israel doesn’t. This is a win for Iran

Trump’s approval rating falls to record low following surging fuel prices and war with Iran, poll shows

The Independent’s Katie Hawkinson reports:

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a new low as concerns grow about the U.S. economy and the war with Iran.

The president’s overall approval rating is now at 36 percent, marking its lowest point since he took office last year, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday.

The president’s economic approval rating also appears to be falling as Americans face soaring gas prices amid the war. About 25 percent of respondents approve of the way Trump is handling the cost of living in the U.S., the poll found.

Democrats have hit out at the Trump administration over the rising costs related to the war, including Senator Mark Kelly, who shared photos of a Phoenix, Arizona, gas station charging $6.49 per gallon on Monday.

“All because Trump started war with no plan and no idea how it would affect everyday Americans,” Kelly wrote on X. “I'm fighting to suspend the federal gas tax to bring families some relief, but what they really need is a president focused on lowering their costs.”

Trump’s approval rating falls to record low amid war with with Iran, poll shows

Drone attack hits fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport causing fire

A drone attack targeting a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport has caused a fire, the country’s civil aviation authority said.

No casualties have been reported in the attack, and emergency procedures were activated immediately.

Firefighting teams have responded to the blaze, the authority said, adding that initial reports indicated only material damage.

China's foreign minister urges early peace talks in call with Iranian counterpart

Chinese foreign minister Wang called on Tuesday on parties to seize all opportunities to start peace talks as soon as possible in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Aragchi, according to a statement from Wang's ministry.

Talking is always better than fighting, Wang told Aragchi, adding that “all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by using force”.

According to Iranian state media on Wednesday, Araqchi had responded by saying: “Iran's serious expectation from the member states of the Security Council, especially China and Russia, is to prevent the US from continuing to abuse the council by taking a firm stance in condemning the aggression of the US and the Zionist regime (Israel)”.

In pictures: Attacks batter northwest Iran striking a residential building

Trump claims Iran made major concession and gave him ‘a present’

Talks with Iran could happen as soon as Thursday as US hands over 15-point peace plan

The US and mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are said to be discussing the possibility of holding peace talks with Iran as early as Thursday.

Sources familiar with the situation told Channel 12 that they were still waiting for a response from Iran.

It comes as the US handed Iran a 15-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, which reportedly included demands similar to those presented in the recent nuclear talks in Geneva.

The demands are said to include opening the Strait of Hormuz. It also details the things Iran would receive if it accepts the demands, including the removal of sanctions.

While the plan mostly aligns with Israel’s objectives, Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be concerned that Trump will sign an agreement that will align with the country’s goals and will make significant concessions to Iran, the sources told Channel 12.

A third source told the Israeli television station that officials are also skeptical about Iran’s willingness to offer the concessions.

British troops shoot down 14 Iranian ‘kamikaze’ drones fired at allied base in Iraq

British troops shot down 14 Iranian “kamikaze” drones targeting allied bases in Iraq as Tehran stepped up attacks across the Middle East on Tuesday.

The ministry of defence said the defensive action marked the largest number of drones destroyed in a single night since the US and Israel began joint military action against Iran more than three weeks ago.

Defence secretary John Healey told ministers at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that a counter-drone team had intercepted the drones, which were used to attack the Erbil base in northern Iraq. British and American troops are housed at the base, which has previously been targeted.

A defence source said: "Where we have UK forces operating the Rapid Sentry system, they shot down 14 one-way attack drones just in one night last night, I mean, hugely impressive action, and that is the largest number that they've shot down in a single night.

"What we're seeing is the rate of attacks last night returning to the norm that we'd seen pre-Eid," the defence source said, referring to the Islamic Eid al-Fitr celebration at the end of last week.

British troops shoot down 14 Iranian ‘kamikaze’ drones fired at allied base in Iraq

US sent Iran 15-point plan aimed at ending the Middle East war, source says

The US is said to have sent Iran a 15 point plan aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, a source familiar with the matter said.

News of the US plan was reported earlier by the New York Times, which, citing two officials, said the plan was delivered via Pakistan.

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf? Trump’s ‘hot option’ to lead Iran

Weeks after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by US-Israeli strikes, Tehran’s future is still unclear.

The Middle Eastern war continues to rage with no immediate end in sight, and Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in weeks amid reports he has been injured.

Tehran’s top security chief, Ali Larijani, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Basij force commander, Gholamreza Soleimani, were both killed in quick succession last week.

Donald Trump has claimed Iran wants to make a deal to end the conflict, and said US envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held talks with an unnamed Iranian leader on Sunday.

Read the full article here:

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf? Trump’s ‘hot option’ to lead Iran

Pope Leo laments that Iran war 'getting worse and worse'

Pope Leo expressed concern on Tuesday about a rising tenor of animosity in the expanding Iran war, repeating calls for a ceasefire amid reports the US is planning to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East in a military buildup.

Leo, the first US pope, lamented that "hatred is increasing, and the violence is getting worse and worse."

"I want to renew the appeal for a ceasefire, to work for peace, but not with weapons - rather through dialogue, truly seeking a solution for everyone," he told journalists as he was leaving his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

"There are more than a million displaced people and many dead," said the pope. "I invite all the authorities to truly work through dialogue to resolve the problems."

Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, has been ramping up calls for an end to the Iran war in recent days. On Sunday, he said the conflict was a "scandal to the whole human family."

Airstrikes in Iraq on Iran-backed paramilitary alliance kill at least 15 fighters

Airstrikes hit a regional headquarters of Iraq's umbrella group for Iran-backed Shi'ite militias and a home used by its leader on Tuesday, killing at least 15 fighters in an escalation of U.S.-Israeli strikes on one of Tehran's main regional allies.

At least 30 other people were wounded in the strikes on the Popular Mobilization Forces' site in Iraq's western province of Anbar, according to medical officials. They said some were in serious condition and the death toll could rise.

Iraq's military accused the U.S. and Israel of carrying out the strikes. Reuters filmed ambulances bringing the wounded to hospital in the regional capital Ramadi during the night.

The dead included the PMF's operations commander in the province, Saad al-Baiji. Later on Tuesday, a large crowd of angry mourners carried his coffin and portraits through the streets of Baghdad.

Two security sources said the strikes had hit the PMF site during a meeting attended by senior commanders.

Iran says US and Israel attacked vicinity of Bushehr nuclear plant

Iran's atomic energy organisation said that the US and Israel attacked the vicinity of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening, IRNA reported.

It said the attack caused no technical damage or human casualties based on initial reports.

Sam Kiley: France and UK could offer mine-clearing drones to help secure Strait of Hormuz

The Independent’s World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley reports:

Members of a 20-nation group of countries anxious to reopen the Straits of Hormuz to international shipping have begun basic planning for how to secure the vital sea route against mines and other threats "once conditions allow".

According to western military sources, France and the UK may offer underwater mine-clearing drones and limited numbers of surface vessels to shepherd tankers through the Straits.

But there is no suggestion that they would get involved during ongoing attacks on Iran or counter assaults in and across the Gulf of Arabia by Tehran.

There are also doubts as to whether the Royal Navy could deploy uncrewed mine-clearing systems in time, as these defensive weapons are still in development and the early stages of production.

Western officials were describing contingency planning on a day-to-day basis and a coordinated operational structure or plan remains to be developed to reassure shipping that the Straits are safe - when the war is over.

Trump refers to Kuwait shooting down US planes as 'a little mishap'

Hegseth says Iran war is 'one for the history books'

Pete Hegseth is now speaking from the White House, saying the war on Iran is “one for the history books”.

The defence secretary said: “Never has a modern military been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated from day one with overwhelming fire power.

“The air campaign that we’ve conducted, that Israel has conducted alongside us, was one for the history books.”

Speaking to Iran, he said: “We negotiate with bombs. You have a choice as we loiter over the top of Tehran, about your future. The president has made it clear that you will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Recap: UK forces down 14 drones in Iraq as conflict escalates: report

British forces shot down 14 one-way assault drones in Iraq overnight, as Iran and its militia allies ramped up attacks, according to a report.

A defence source told The Standard that UK forces saw an onslaught at the allied base in Erbil into Tuesday.

While drone and missile attacks have been falling in recent days, Monday’s attack represented a significant uptick, according to the report.

The 14 represented the “largest number [British forces] have shot down in a single night.”

Reports said RAF Regiment gunners were behind the defence.

Donald Trump declares war against Iran 'has been won'

Donald Trump has declared that the US-Israeli war on Iran has been won.

He told reporters: “We’ve won this. This war has been won.”

The president also claimed that if the US had not attacked Iran, they would have had nuclear weapons within 2 weeks.

Iran gifted US a 'big oil-related present worth a tremendous amount of money'

Iran gave the US a “very significant” oil and gas-related present on Tuesday, Donald Trump said.

“They gave us a present, and the present arrived today. It was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money and I’m not going to tell you what that present is but it was a very significant prize,” the president told reporters at the White House.

“They gave it to us and they said they were going to give it, so that means one thing to me, we’re dealing with the right people.”

President Trump said the present was “oil and gas-related”, but did not give more details.

He added: “We killed all their leadership and then they met to choose new leaders and we killed all of them. And now we have a new group..let’s see how they turn out.”

Iran has agreed to never have nuclear weapons, Trump claims

Donald Trump has said Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon.

“They've agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon. They’ve agreed to that,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“We’re in negotiations right now,” he said, adding: “The other side, I can tell you, they'd like to make a deal. Who wouldn't if you were them?

“Their navy's gone, their airforce is gone, their communications are gone.

“Can you name one thing that's not gone? Or can you name one thing that's doing well?

“We are roaming free over Tehran. We can do whatever we want. As you know today, we were going to have the privilege of shooting down a very big electric plant...and we held off based of the fact that we’re negotiating.”

Trump wants out of this war, Israel doesn’t. This is a win for Iran

Pictured: Smoke billows from an Israeli strike on Lebanon's Tyre

Trump: 'Iran wants to make a deal so badly'

Donald Trump said Iranian officials “want to make a deal so badly”, as he described the US operation in Iran as a “tremendous success”.

Speaking about Iran from the White House, the US president said: “They have no navy left, they have no air force left, they have no anti-aircraft equipment left, no radar left, no leaders left.”

“The leaders are all gone, nobody knows who to talk to. But we’re actually talking to the right people and they want to make a deal so badly. You have no idea how badly they want to make a deal, and we'll see what happens.”

Three year old girl dead in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Three people, including a three year old girl, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Bshamoun in the Aley district on Tuesday.

Lebanon’s health ministry said another four people were injured in the strike.

In an update today, officials said Israeli attacks have killed 1,072 people in Lebanon since the start of a war, while nearly 3,000 people have been injured, its health ministry said.

Analysis: Trump wants out of this war, Israel doesn’t. This is a win for Iran

With petrol prices surging at home, Trump wants to extract the US from the war he started and may leave Israel in the lurch, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley:

Trump wants out of this war, Israel doesn’t. This is a win for Iran

Iran vows to fight for a ‘complete victory’ after rebuffing Trump claims of peace talks

The Independent’s Maira Butt reports:

Iran’s military has promised to fight until the bitter end against the US and Israel after rejecting Donald Trump’s claims that America had been holding “productive” peace talks with Tehran.

A spokesperson for Iran’s top military command said on Tuesday that its armed forces will not stop “until complete victory”, pouring cold water over Trump’s statements about a “five-day ceasefire”.

However, Iranian officials conceded that the US had been in contact through mediators as pressure mounts to come to a resolution after weeks of upheaval across the Middle East.

“We received points from the US through mediators and they are being reviewed,” a senior military official told CBS.

Pakistan has offered to mediate negotiations, with its prime minister Shehbaz Sharif writing on X that the nation “stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict”.

It remains unclear who diplomats would be negotiating with after several top Iranian officials were killed in recent days including security chief Ali Larijani and newly-appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei having not been seen in weeks.

Iran vows to fight for a ‘complete victory’ after rebuffing Trump peace talks

Watch: Rachel Reeves warns of ‘significant’ economic challenges from Iran war

US order to deploy 3,000 airborne troops expected in coming hours

Pentagon’s order to deploy 3,000 82nd Airborne soldiers to the Middle East is expected to come tonight.

Two US officials told the Wall Street Journal that a written order to deploy the unit was due in the coming hours.

The 82nd Airborne’s combat brigade is the US army’s emergency response unit that can deploy paratroopers and equipment anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

It comes after the New York Times reported yesterday that the Pentagon was considering the deployment, which could include seizing Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.

British troops downed 14 drones overnight in Middle East

British troops shot down 14 drones overnight in the Middle East, the ministry of defence has said.

In an update on social media it said troops “operating in a high-threat area took out 14 ‘kamikaze’ drones - the highest number of drones that they have downed in a single night.”

The statement added: “Royal Air Force Typhoons and F-35 jets continued their defensive missions overnight, including over Cyprus, Jordan, and Qatar.”

An unnamed British official told the Daily Mirror: “What we saw last night in a number of places was a step up again. So to give you some idea, in Erbil, where we have UK forces and operating the Rapid Sensory system, they shot down 14 one way attack drones just in one night, last night.”

How to look after your money during the Iran war: Energy bills, savings and pensions

The war in Iran is plainly going to have a significant impact on family finances. How severe, and how long lived, is hard to tell.

Certainly, a fresh dose of inflation seems likely, something that would be tricky for those on the lowest incomes in particular.

But experts say there are at least some things you can do to mitigate the worst:

How to look after your money during the Iran war: Energy bills, savings and pensions

Six dead and 30 wounded in Iranian attack targeting Iraqi Kurdistan base

At least six Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were killed and 30 others were injured in an Iranian missile attack on a base north of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs said: “Early this morning, 24 March 2026, two separate attacks targeted a headquarters of the 7th Infantry Division of Area Command 1 and a unit of the 5th Infantry Division of the Peshmerga Forces in the Soran District.

“In a hostile act marked by treachery, betrayal, and a blatant disregard for all human and neighbourly norms, six Iranian ballistic missiles struck these positions. As a result, six heroic Peshmerga were martyred and 30 others were wounded.”

HMS Dragon reaches Eastern Mediterranean to fortify Cyprus' defences

The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean to bolster Cyprus’ defences.

The Warship has spent the last two weeks undergoing critical training and assessment to ensure her 230 sailors, advanced systems and weaponry are ready for the potentially intensive pace of operations, the Royal Navy said on Tuesday.

“HMS Dragon was rapidly brought to readiness and deployed from Portsmouth earlier this month and will now play her full part in defending Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean,” said General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff.

“Equipped with the cutting-edge Sea Viper system, she can tackle a wide range of threats. On her way to the region, her crew have undertaken essential training to ready themselves for this mission, and I have every confidence that they will rise to the task before them.

Top official says US still assessing how to test nuclear weapons

A senior state department official said that the US was still assessing how to implement Donald Trump's order to resume US nuclear weapons tests.

Thomas DiNanno, the undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, told a Senate committee that no discussions have been held on conducting atmospheric nuclear tests.

In October, Trump asked military leaders to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992.

He said he wanted the US to test nuclear weapons on an “equal basis” with Russia and China.

Iranian missile intercepted over Lebanese airspace, Lebanese sources say

An Iranian missile was intercepted over Lebanese airspace for the first time on Tuesday, three senior Lebanese security sources said, with two of them saying a foreign naval vessel was responsible for the interception.

The Lebanese news agency reported that shrapnel from an interception had landed over a series of towns north of Beirut and led to some light wounds.

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf? Trump’s ‘hot option’ to lead Iran

Weeks after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by US-Israeli strikes, Tehran’s future is still unclear.

Donald Trump has claimed Iran wants to make a deal to end the conflict, and claimed US envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held talks with an unnamed Iranian leader on Sunday.

The Jerusalem Post later reported that the top official was Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Here’s who he is and why it matters for the war in Iran:

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf? Trump’s ‘hot option’ to lead Iran

Sam Kiley: France and UK could offer mine-clearing drones to help secure Strait of Hormuz

The Independent’s World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley reports:

Members of a 20-nation group of countries anxious to reopen the Straits of Hormuz to international shipping have begun basic planning for how to secure the vital sea route against mines and other threats "once conditions allow".

According to western military sources, France and the UK may offer underwater mine-clearing drones and limited numbers of surface vessels to shepherd tankers through the Straits.

But there is no suggestion that they would get involved during ongoing attacks on Iran or counter assaults in and across the Gulf of Arabia by Tehran.

There are also doubts as to whether the Royal Navy could deploy uncrewed mine-clearing systems in time, as these defensive weapons are still in development and the early stages of production.

Western officials were describing contingency planning on a day-to-day basis and a coordinated operational structure or plan remains to be developed to reassure shipping that the Straits are safe - when the war is over.

Trump says Hegseth was the ‘first one to speak up’ in favor of Iran War in latest shift

President Donald Trump appeared to try to pin the blame for the Iran conflict on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Monday.

Speaking at a roundtable event for national military and law enforcement leaders in Memphis, Tennessee, the president said of the circumstances leading up to the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28: “I called Pete, I called General [Dan] Caine, I called a lot of our great people – we have a lot of great people – and I said, ‘Let’s talk.’

He went on: “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up and you said, ‘Let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.’”

Read the full story:

Trump says Hegseth was the ‘first one to speak up’ in favor of Iran War

France urges Israel not to launch ground invasion in Lebanon

France has urged Israel not to launch a ground invasion in southern Lebanon.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the country was urging Israel “to refrain from such ground operations, which would have major humanitarian consequences and would exacerbate the country’s already dire situation”.

Israel said its army plans to take control of an area up to the Litani River, some 20 miles from the border.

Iran's embassy in South Africa continues trolling Trump over disputed peace talk claims

In another post on social media, the Iranian embassy in South Africa is mocking Donald Trump after Iran denied it was in conversation with the US to end the war.

The post features an edited WhatsApp screenshot in which ‘President of PEACE’ is talking to himself in a chat, addressing the Ayatollah in English and offering a ceasefire.

“Good and productive talks with Iran” 😎 pic.twitter.com/kEWmz37CYX

— Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) March 24, 2026

Pictured: American B-52 Stratofortress refuelling on combat mission against Iran

Britain expected to lead international conference on reopening Strait of Hormuz

Britain has offered to host a security summit on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.

A British official told Politico that the UK wanted to help “build this coalition and develop momentum” to "open a route safe through the Strait of Hormuz, and provide that reassurance to merchant shipping”.

More than 30 nations have signed a joint statement agreeing to collaborate on efforts to safeguard the channel, a major trade route, and reopen it to commercial shipping.

The British source said cooperation would include a security conference in either London or Portsmouth. Options for security the channel could include using autonomous minehunting systems in the Gulf, the official indicated.

In full: Pakistan's vow to support diplomacy if Iran and US come to the table

Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote in support of diplomacy on Tuesday, amid reports the country could serve as a mediator for Iran and the US:

Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 24, 2026

In focus: Craig and Lindsay Foreman: Is the UK repeating its Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe mistakes in Iran?

British tourists Craig and Lindsay Foreman are serving a 10-year prison sentence in Iran for crimes they say they did not commit.

As war escalates and their lives are put at risk, Radhika Sanghani speaks to their son and to Richard Ratcliffe, who says the government’s inaction echoes the six-year imprisonment of his wife, Nazanin:

Is the UK repeating its Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe mistakes with this couple in Iran?

Iran names successor to slain security chief

Iran has named Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the successor to security chief Ali Larjiani, who was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on 17 March.

Zolghadr is a retired commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. He previously served as secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, and a political roles including deputy interior minister.

Iran says US in contact after denying peace talks were ongoing

Iran is said to have received a message from the US through mediators towards ending the war, a senior Iranian foreign ministry official told CBS News.

“We received points from the US through mediators and they are being reviewed,” the official said, after Donald Trump said he was actively speaking with the Iranian side to make a deal.

Iran’s foreign ministry initially denied that talks were taking place. Iran and the US have historically spoken indirectly through foreign mediators.

Reports over the last couple of days have suggested that Pakistan could be primed to serve as an intermediary in diplomacy - something the White House earlier refused to comment on pending official confirmation.

A spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry has since said the country is “willing to host talks” if both sides want.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that the country “stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict”.

Iranian embassy mocks Trump comment about 'joint control' of Hormuz strait

Iran’’s embassy in South Africa took a jab at Donald Trump after he suggested the US could control the Strait of Hormuz in partnership with Iran as part of a deal to end the war.

The embassy posted an image on X showing a child's pink steering wheel placed on a car dashboard in front of the passenger seat, apparently mocking Trump's idea, aired to reporters, that he could control the Strait of Hormuz alongside Iran's supreme leader.

The Strait of Hormuz will be controlled by me and the Ayatollah😎😁 pic.twitter.com/IxIgo1Pn6S

— Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) March 23, 2026

UAE serviceman killed in Bahrain, defence force says

Bahrain’s defence force is reporting that a UAE serviceman was killed in Bahrain while performing his duty, during Iranian attacks.

Saudi Arabia pushed Trump to continue war in Iran: report

Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia is alleged to have encouraged Donald Trump to continue the war in Iran, according to a report.

The de facto leader of the kingdom is said to have argued that the ongoing campaign against longtime rival Iran represents an “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East.

People familiar with recent talks told the New York Times that Prince Mohammed argued that Tehran presents an enduring threat to the region that can only be eliminated through regime change.

Saudi officials rejected the claims, saying the country “has always supported a peaceful resolution to this conflict, even before it began”.

In focus: I’m a defence expert, here is why I’m worried about Iran’s missiles reaching London

Iran’s attempted strike on the UK base at Diego Garcia has exposed a new reality: Tehran’s missile reach may now stretch far beyond the Middle East.

As Europe strengthens its air defences, Britain is now dangerously vulnerable to a long-range missile attack, writes defence expert Francis Tusa:

I’m a defence expert, here is why I’m worried about Iran’s missiles reaching London

Israel says it will occupy southern Lebanon with 'defensive buffer' like in Gaza, says defence minister

Israel’s military will occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, Israel Katz, the country’s defence minister said on Tuesday.

He said in a meeting with the military chief of staff that ​the military would "control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani", and was creating a "defensive ⁠buffer".

It is the first time that the country has been clear about its intentions in the region.

Katz had previously threatened to “take” the territory if Hezbollah did not disarm.

Pictured: Rockets launched towards Israel from Lebanon today

Iran vows to fight 'until complete victory', says military command

Iran’s military has promised to fight until the bitter end of the raging conflict with the US and Israel after rejecting President Donald Trump’s claims that America had been engaged in “productive” peace talks with Tehran.

A spokesperson for Iran’s top military command said on Tuesday that armed forces will fight “until complete victory”, pouring cold water over Trump’s statements about a reported “five-day ceasefire”.

It follows another blistering attack by Iran against Israel and American allies in the Gulf and Israel with the Israeli military reporting a fresh wave of missile attacks across the country, including Tel Aviv.

Pentagon weighs sending in 3,000 troops to help Iran war: report

The Pentagon is weighing sending in about 3,000 troops to support the Iran war effort, which may include seizing Kharg Island, the Middle Eastern country’s main oil export hub, according to a new report.

Senior Pentagon officials may deploy the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division’s “Immediate Response Force,” a combat brigade of about 3,000 soldiers that can deploy paratroopers and equipment anywhere in the world within 18 hours, The New York Times reported, citing defence officials.

Read the full story:

Pentagon weighs sending in 3,000 troops to help Iran war: report

Iran vows to fight on 'until complete victory'

The spokesman of Iran’s top military command vows that Iran will fight “until complete victory”.

Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, said: “Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious and steadfast in defending Iran’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory.”

He did not say what “complete victory” would look like in comments quoted on Iranian state TV Aliabadi.

Qatar NOT involved in mediating peace, says official

There is no direct Qatari mediation between the United States and Iran, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, said in a media briefing on Tuesday.

UK forces down 14 drones in Iraq as conflict escalates: report

British forces shot down 14 one-way assault drones in Iraq overnight, as Iran and its militia allies ramped up attacks, according to a report.

A defence source told The Standard that UK forces saw an onslaught at the allied base in Erbil into Tuesday.

While drone and missile attacks have been falling in recent days, Monday’s attack represented a significant uptick, according to the report.

The 14 represented the “largest number [British forces] have shot down in a single night.”

Are Washington and Tehran in talks to end the war?

Donald Trump’s claims that the US and Iran were already in talks to end the war were pounced upon by the regime in Tehran, which said the US president was only trying to soothe damaged markets and denied any such conversations had taken place.

Trump said yesterday that negotiators spoke on Sunday and could speak again on Monday, sparking a flurry of market activity and hopes of de-escalation just hours from Trump’s deadline to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face ‘obliteration’.

Iranian officials cited in local media soon said there were no such discussions, before a spokesperson for the foreign ministry put out a statement claiming that while the US had tried to get in touch, Iran had not responded.

Trump did say in his comments to reporters that he was speaking to a “top person” in Iran and did not acknowledge new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei as leader, indicating the US might not be going through the official channels.

An Israeli official told Axios that Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was negotiating with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, before Trump administration officials told Politico that Ghalibaf was being eyed for a future leadership role, supported by the US.

A social media account in Ghalibaf’s name on Monday afternoon said that no negotiations have been held with the US, claiming “fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets”.

Iranian ambassador declared not welcome in Lebanon and ordered to leave

Lebanon has withdrawn accreditation from the Iranian ambassador and declared him persona non grata, demanding his departure from Lebanon by Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

The ministry also summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Iran for consultations, citing what it described as Tehran's violation of diplomatic norms and established practices between the two countries.

In pictures: A missile lands in Nablus, near the West Bank

Oil markets oscillating with Trump-Iran back and forth

Emma Wall, chief investment strategist at Hargreaves Lansdown, says oil markets followed Donald Trump’s reassurances for diplomacy yesterday - but have since been weakened by Iran’s denial.

“According to President Donald Trump, preliminary truce talks have begun with Iran. According to Iran, he’s living in la-la-land and the talks never happened. But the markets love hope, and the prospect of a ceasefire was enough to push Brent crude oil down below $100 a barrel for the first time in weeks,” she explains.

“But the Iran denial, and a report that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are considering entering the war, has sent oil back up.”

She adds: “In other positive news, a few tankers are trickling through the Hormuz Strait, Japan and India have confirmed safe passage of oil and liquified gas shipments. A few ships posts more hope, but is out by some magnitude to the 100 tankers that usually pass through the 21-mile-wide waterway on a daily basis.”

US and Israel appear to differ on objectives, says academic

Despite Donald Trump’s pledge to stop strikes on energy infrastructure for five days, diplomacy may be complicated by the US and Israel appearing to have different objectives for the war, according to an academic.

Professor Maziyar Ghiabi, Director of the Centre for Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Exeter, said: “While the US president announced diplomatic communication with his Iranian counterpart, the Israeli air force carried out extensive bombing of Iranian infrastructure.

“The objectives of the United States and Israel appear to differ, with Tel Aviv preparing for a prolonged conflict that, so far, has had only limited material impact compared to that experienced by GCC countries and U.S. bases.

“The key question is whether the US administration will be able to disentangle itself from Israeli strategy, or whether it will be drawn into a prolonged war with global repercussions—as well as domestic unpopularity—due to Israel's military offensive.”

Israel vows to control all bridges into southern Lebanon and keep up 'full force' against Hezbollah

The Israeli military will control the remaining bridges over Lebanon's Litani River and the area south of the river, Israel's defence minister said on Tuesday.

“The IDF will continue to operate in Lebanon with full force against Hezbollah,” Israel Katz said during a briefing this morning.

“Hundreds of thousands of residents of southern Lebanon who evacuated northward will not return south of the Litani River until security for the residents of the north is ensured.”

He said that all bridges across the Litani River ostensibly used to move Hezbollah operatives and weapons into southern Lebanon have now been “blown up”, and that Israel will control the rest.

“The principle is clear: Where there is terror and missiles, there will be no homes and no residents, and the IDF will be inside,” he said.

Oil prices plummet after Trump overtures to diplomacy

The price of Brent crude oil plummeted in the aftermath of Trump's "productive" conversation rhetoric yesterday, but all is far from settled and it has edged higher again this morning, briefly touching $100 once more.

As of a little after 8am GMT we're at $97.80, so about 9.8% below the price pre-presidential comments.

Guessing what's next is a fool's game - many financial markets are rising or falling by crazy amounts each day at the moment and for the everyday public, the hope will simply be that the situation can find a resolution soon - remember it's not the oil price peak which will impact on inflation and energy bills, so much as the prolonged nature of it being higher.

The FTSE 100 rose yesterday along with most other stock market indices, but first thing this morning is much more a reflection of it being a 'who knows' moment: London's market is flat, Europe is very slightly down, though Asia overnight managed gains in most markets.

Iran and Pakistan discuss war amid speculation around possible peace talks

Amid speculation around possible future talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, Iran’s foreign ministry says it has held a call with its counterpart in Pakistan.

Ministers emphasised the importance of safeguarding stability and lasting security in the region, a statement said.

Iran’s president also spoke with the prime minister of Pakistan, exchanging views on regional developments and the consequences of the war, Iranian media reports.

White House says diplomacy 'fluid' - but won't yet commit to talks timeframe

The White House on Monday was cautious to handle rumours of a forthcoming meeting between US and Iranian officials in Pakistan.

Responding to reports that US vice president JD Vance could lead a US delegation in talks in Islamabad, press secretary Karoline Leavitt would not rule out the possibility - but told reporters to await a formal announcement.

“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the US will not negotiate through the press,” she told the BBC.

“This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House.”

Iran has just 1,000 missiles left, estimates Israeli thinktank

An Israeli think tank estimates that Iran could have as few as 1,000 missiles left in its stockpile, having already spent more than half.

The Alma Research Centre estimates that Iran likely had around 1,500 missiles by the end of the 12-day war last summer.

In the eight months that followed, it likely would have been able to build a further 1,000.

After three weeks of war, it estimates Iran’s arsenal could have fallen back down to 1,000 - even if it can quickly replenish stocks.

Iran arrests almost 500 accused of 'stirring public opinion' amid war

Iran's police says it arrested 466 individuals accused of 'stirring public opinion' and 'online propaganda in favour of the enemy', according to the IRNA news agency.

Sirens sounding across Israel as Hezbollah claims rocket attack

Sirens were sounding across Israel’s Acre and the Krayot suburbs of Haifa on Tuesday morning after Hezbollah claimed a rocket attack from Lebanon.

Israel’s army says it intercepted most of the rockets.

Trump determined to reach deal with Iran, Israeli officials believe

Donald Trump appears to be determined to reach a deal with Iran aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East, three senior Israeli officials said on Tuesday.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that they viewed it as unlikely that Iran would agree to US demands in any new round of negotiations, which broke down with the start of the war at the end of February.

Those demands were likely to include curbs on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the sources said.