The United States has confirmed the deployment of ground troops to the Middle East after Iran sent back the ‘excessive’ demands of Donald Trump’s peace plan.
The Pentagon confirmed to The Independent on Wednesday that some elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, some division enablers and the 1st Brigade Combat Team will be deploying to the region.
The confirmation came as Iranian officials said they had received a proposal to end the war from the US and deemed it ‘maximalist’ and unacceptable.
One official told Reuters that the first impressions were “not positive”, and that Tehran’s initial response has been delivered to intermediary Pakistan to be conveyed to Washington.
Pakistani officials serving as intermediaries said earlier that the proposal covers sanctions relief for Iran, civilian nuclear cooperation, new limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Read MoreInside the 82nd Airborne: The US Army division set to deploy in the Middle East
British Army so depleted it could only ‘seize a small market town on a good day’
What we know about Trump’s 15-point plan to end the Iran war
Key Points
- Trump offers Tehran 15-point ceasefire plan
- Oil drops to $97 a barrel
- Iran says US is negotiating with itself
- Trump says Iran has agreed to never get nuclear weapons
- Pakistan could host Iran ceasefire talks next week
- Pentagon orders 2,000 soldiers to help in Iran war: report
Iran could take action in Bab al-Mandab Strait if provoked, Tasnim news agency says
17:30 , Bryony GoochIran could open a new front in the Bab al-Mandab Strait if attacks are carried out on Iranian territory or its islands, Iran's semi-official Tasnim cited an unnamed Iranian military source as saying on Wednesday.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has previously launched attacks in the region where the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait is located.
ADNOC CEO tells US vice president that free passage through Strait of Hormuz only solution to stabilising markets
17:15 , Bryony GoochAbu Dhabi state oil company ADNOC's Group CEO Sultan Al Jaber told US vice president JD Vance on Wednesday that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz was the only durable solution to stabilising global markets.
The US-Israeli war against Iran has all but halted shipments of about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas through the strait, causing oil supply disruption.
Iran oil insider trader concern after hundreds of millions are wagered minutes before Trump’s ‘peace talks’ post
17:00 , Bryony Gooch Concern after traders bet millions on oil minutes before Trump’s peace talks’ post
Israel to expand buffer zone in Lebanon
16:42 , Bryony GoochIsrael will expand its buffer zone in Lebanon to “distance the threat of Hezbollah” from its settlements.
A statement on X read: “We are expanding this security strip in order to distance the threat of Hezbollah from our settlements and our territory. We're simply creating a larger buffer zone.
“Now, the issue of dismantling Hezbollah is right before our eyes. This matter is also tied to the overall campaign against Iran, which is still in full swing, contrary to what the media reports.”
אנחנו מרחיבים את רצועת הביטחון הזאת כדי להרחיק את האיום של הנ"ט על יישובינו ועל שטחנו. אנחנו פשוט מייצרים אזור חיץ גדול יותר.
— ראש ממשלת ישראל (@IsraeliPM_heb) March 25, 2026
עכשיו סוגיית פירוק החיזבאללה, היא עומדת לנגד עינינו. הדבר הזה קשור גם במערכה הכוללת עם איראן, שהיא עדיין בעיצומה בניגוד למה שמדווח בתקשורת.
In pictures: Iranian missiles hit Israel
16:29 , Jane Dalton Bereaved military families blast Trump meme use that 'trivializes sacrifice'
15:59 , Jane Dalton Families of fallen soldiers and veterans blast Trump’s use of memes during Iran war
Inside the 82nd Airborne: The US Army division set to deploy in the Middle East
15:48 , James ReynoldsThe U.S. military is preparing to deploy soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, a specialised parachute assault force, to the Middle East in the coming days.
The move comes as the Iran war enters its fourth week and as President Donald Trump considers options to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route.
Here’s what to know about 82nd Airborne:
Inside the 82nd Airborne: The US Army division set to deploy in the Middle East
Pentagon confirms deployment of paratroopers to Middle East
15:32 , James ReynoldsThe Pentagon tells The Independent that the US is planning to deploy paratroopers to the Middle East.
Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division HQs, some division enablers and the 1st Brigade Combat Team will be deploying to Central Command’s area of responsibility.
Trump adviser says amassing of troops shows he's serious about deal
15:30 , James ReynoldsIranian officials are said to have told mediators that they believe the US sending troops to the region shows Trump is not serious about peace talks.
But a Trump advisor says the reinforcements show Trump is serious - and that’s how he ‘makes a deal’.
“Trump has a hand open for a deal and the other is a fist, waiting to punch you in the f***ing face,” the advisor explained to Axios, on condition of anonymity.
Axios reports that the White House has sent messages to Iran reassuring them that Trump is serious about peace.
US proposal 'not beautiful even on paper', says Iranian diplomat
15:17 , James ReynoldsA high-ranking diplomatic source tells Al Jazeera that Iran finds the US plan “extremely maximalist and unreasonable”.
“It is not beautiful even on paper,” the source said.
An Israeli minister told the BBC earlier the proposal is "beautiful on paper", but said Iran was “probably” unlikely to agree to it.
Mapped: Strikes across Middle East as war approaches four weeks
15:00 , James ReynoldsInside the 82nd Airborne: The US Army division set to deploy in Middle East
14:45 , Jane Dalton Inside the 82nd Airborne: The US Army division set to deploy in the Middle East
Trump receives two-minute highlight reel of war each day: report
14:34 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump receives a two-minute montage of the biggest and most successful US strikes on Iran each day, according to three current and one former official, raising concerns he may not be getting a full picture of the war.
NBC reports that the highlight reel is not the only briefing Trump receives. But officials said the video briefing in particular was driving concerns Trump was receiving a distorted view of the conflict.
Officials said the videos were driving Trump’s frustration with news reporting on the war.
Official US channels have come under fire in recent weeks for publishing edited clips mixing US attacks and large explosions with video game footage
Iranian assessment of proposal 'not positive': official
14:28 , James ReynoldsA senior Iranian tells Reuters that Iran’s initial response to the US proposal is ‘not positive’ - but Tehran is still reviewing it.
Iran has reviewed US proposals and considers them excessive, official says
14:25 , James ReynoldsIran has reviewed a US proposal to end the war and considers its conditions excessive, Iran's Press TV cited an official as saying on Wednesday, saying Tehran will end the war only at a time of its own choosing and if its conditions are met.
Iran demands recognition over its sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz
14:25 , James ReynoldsIran demands recognition of Tehran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, as its "natural, legal right", Iran's Press TV cited an official as saying on Wednesday, after Tehran reviewed a US proposal to end the war and considered its conditions excessive.
UK welcomes reported talks between US and Iran
14:02 , Jane DaltonDowning Street says it welcomes “any productive talks” between the US and Iran as Britain works to develop a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said reports between the two countries were welcomed and said it supported bringing the conflict to “a swift resolution”.
“We are working closely with international partners to bring security and stability in the region,” they said, adding the UK was working with partners to develop a viable plan to safeguard shipping through the key oil route.
Recap: US negotiating with itself, says Tehran after Trump proposes 15-point peace plan
13:59 , James ReynoldsIran has ridiculed Donald Trump’s bid to get peace talks back on track, suggesting the US is only “negotiating with itself” amid reports the US has offered Iran a 15-point plan to end the war.
Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said on Wednesday that “someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you - not now, not ever” as Tehran continued to dismiss Trump’s claims he was actively negotiating peace.
Trump told reporters late on Tuesday that Iran “want to make a deal so badly” and has agreed to “never have a nuclear weapon” as US and Israeli media reported on a rumoured plan to dismantle Iran’s nuclear facilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials apparently believe peace talks are a ruse, however, amid reports the Pentagon has ordered some 2,000 soldiers to the Middle East.
Iran meanwhile said that it has opened the Strait of Hormuz for "non-hostile vessels" so long as they coordinate with the Iranian authorities, offering a lifeline to markets disrupted by the war.
Iranian attacks pose existential threat, Gulf states warn
13:45 , Jane DaltonGulf Arab states have told the UN Human Rights Council they face an existential threat from Iranian attacks on their infrastructure, which the UN human-rights chief said might constitute war crimes.
The war on Iran has sparked large-scale Iranian retaliation in the form of drone and missile strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries, killing civilians and driving up oil prices.
"We are seeing an existential threat to international and regional security. This aggressive approach is undermining international law and sovereignty," Kuwait's ambassador Naser Abdullah HM Alhayen told the council.
Other Gulf states said Iran's actions were designed to spread terror. The United Arab Emirates' ambassador Jamal Jama al Musharakh denounced Iran's "attempt to destabilise the international order through reckless adventures of expansionism”.
Countries at the 47-member council adopted a motion condemning Iran's "unprovoked and deliberate" strikes, seeking reparations from Iran and asking the UN to monitor the situation.
Iran defended its actions, saying more than 1,500 civilians had been killed in the US-Israeli strikes so far.
Iran's ambassador to the UN Ali Bahreini, referring to Israel, said: "We fight on behalf of all of you against an enemy that, if not restrained today, will be beyond containment tomorrow."
Pictured: Moment Tel Aviv struck by Iranian missile
13:32 , James Reynolds How has Iran responded to reports of a peace plan in the works?
13:00 , James ReynoldsIranian officials indicate the regime is not considering the US plans for a peace deal.
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the top spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, said on Wednesday: "Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you (Trump) negotiating with yourself?"
"People like us can never get along with people like you. As we have always said ... no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever."
Iran's leadership has previously said it cannot negotiate with the U.S. as Washington has attacked the country twice during high-level negotiations in the past two years.
Iran had a "very bad experience with American diplomacy," Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told India Today on Tuesday.
There was no dialogue or negotiations with Washington, as Iran's armed forces are focused on defending the country, he added.
More US troops are on the way to the region - despite talk of peace
12:45 , James ReynoldsAt least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent to the Mideast in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press.
They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.
The paratroopers are trained to jump into hostile or contested areas to secure key territory and airfields.
The Pentagon is also in the process of sending about 5,000 more Marines, trained in amphibious assaults, and thousands of sailors to the region.
What we know about Trump’s 15-point plan to end the Iran war
12:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump has reportedly offered Iran a 15-point plan aimed at ending the war for good, as the month-long conflict continues to inflict pain on global markets and the president’s popularity at home.
US and Israeli media have reported on a proposal addressing longstanding concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme and reversing the fallout from the war.
A source told Reuters it was passed to Iran via Pakistan late on Tuesday, as Trump said - without reference to the rumoured plan - that the US and Iran have already agreed on several key points, including that Iran would give up any ambitions for nuclear weapons.
Here’s what’s said to be in the plan and what it means:
What we know about Trump’s 15-point plan to end the Iran war
Israel claims attack on research facility in Isfahan
12:17 , James ReynoldsIsrael claims it carried out an “extensive” wave of strikes across Iran’s underwater research facility in the city of Isfahan on Tuesday.
The IDF says the centre is responsible for producing submarines and other support for the Iranian navy.
Prime minister to face questions over Iran war
12:00 , James ReynoldsKeir Starmer is set to face questions over the UK’s response to the Iran war in the final PMQs before parliamentary recess.
You can follow our UK politics blog here:
Politics latest: Starmer to face fresh questions over response to Iran war at PMQs
Israel continues bombardment of Tehran despite US diplomacy efforts
11:50 , James ReynoldsThe Israeli military announced this morning that “a short while ago” it carried out several waves of strikes on Tehran.
Iran's military claims it fired at USS Abraham Lincoln
11:47 , James ReynoldsIran claims to have fired upon the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
“The Iranian Navy’s Qader cruise missiles (shore-based anti-ship missile) targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier belonging to the US and forced it to change its position,” read a statement from the military carried by Iranian state TV.
Navy chief Admiral Shahram Irani said: “As soon as this hostile fleet comes within range of our missile systems, it will be subjected to powerful strikes by the Iranian Navy.”
Shopping bill could soar by £150 due to Iran war, grocery expert warns
11:30 , James ReynoldsFood inflation could more than double by the summer if the Iran war continues, adding hundreds of pounds to grocery bills for already stretched families.
That is the warning from trade body the Institute of Grocery Distribution – figures that will alarm consumers and a government already concerned about a heavy dose of inflation due to the crisis.
Read the full story:
Shopping bill could soar by £150 due to Iran war, grocery expert warns
What do we know about the reported 15-point peace plan?
11:00 , James ReynoldsThe US is reported to have sent Iran a 15-point peace plan aimed at ending the war, now approaching its second month.
We have not had any official confirmation of what such a proposal might contain at this stage. Trump says Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon.
Israel’s Channel 12 had reported that the plan includes the following demands:
- Iran’s major nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow - the targets of last year’s 12-day war - will be taken out of use and destroyed;
- The UN’s nuclear watchdog will be able to oversee activity in Iran again;
- Iran will abandon the use of armed proxies in the region and stop funding regional affiliates, like Hezbollah;
- Iran will dismantle existing nuclear capabilities and commit to never trying to procure nukes;
- No nuclear material will be enriched in Iran and all enriched material will be handed to the IAEA;
- The Strait of Hormuz will remain open;
- Iranian missiles will be limited in quantity and range, only used for defence.
Iran in return would receive the following assurances from the US:
- American help in developing a civilian nuclear project for electricity production;
- The removal of all sanctions;
- The removal of the threat of renewing sanctions.
American A-10s being used to strike Iranian naval vessels, says Centcom
10:57 , James ReynoldsUS Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs have been used to strike Iranian naval vessels during Operation Epic Fury, Centcom says, sharing pictures of the iconic warplanes.
The aircraft was introduced in the 1970s and has been a mainstay of the USAF, used to provide close air support to ground forces by attacking armoured vehicles with its massive 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling Gun, firing 3,900 rounds per minute.
Last week, US general Dan Caine announced the warplanes had entered the war in missions along Iran’s southern flank, “hunting and killing fast-attack watercraft in the Straits of Hormuz”.
'Non hostile vessels' free to pass Strait of Hormuz, says Iran
10:28 , James ReynoldsForeign vessels may safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, so long as they comply with Iran and do not support acts of aggression against the regime, Iran’s mission to the UN says:
Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may—provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations—benefit from safe passage through the…
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) March 24, 2026
Pakistan delivers US proposal to Iran, source says
10:16 , James ReynoldsPakistan has delivered a US proposal to Iran, a senior Iranian source told Reuters on Wednesday.
The source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, did not disclose details of the proposal and whether it was the 15-point US framework proposal to end the war reported by news outlets.
The source also said Turkey was helping to find ways to end the way and "either Turkey or Pakistan are under consideration as the venue for such talks".
The venue of any talks between Tehran and Washington to end the war has yet to be decided.
Iranian ambassador says no talks have taken place 'so far'
10:15 , James ReynoldsNo direct or indirect talks between Tehran and Washington have taken place yet, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan was quoted as saying on Wednesday by state media, contradicting Donald Trump's remarks about Iran seeking a deal.
"Based on my information, contrary to Trump's claim, no direct or indirect negotiations have taken place between the two countries so far," Reza Amiri Moghadam said.
He added that "friendly countries seek to lay the ground for dialogue between Tehran and Washington, which we hope will be fruitful in ending this imposed war".
US pushing for peace talks as soon as tomorrow: report
10:01 , James ReynoldsWashington is pushing for peace talks through Pakistan as soon as Thursday, according to a report.
Islamabad has offered to mediate between the US and Iran if both countries are open. Donald Trump says both sides want a deal, but Iran publicly says it will not consider US plans.
Citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of diplomatic efforts, Axios reports that the US and regional mediators are discussing the possibility of high-level talks tomorrow.
The report says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains concerned that Trump might strike a deal that falls short of Israel’s objectives, limiting Iran’s ability to conduct strikes against Iran.
Germany takes on Britain's Nato commitments as HMS Dragon diverted to defend Cyprus
09:50 , James ReynoldsGermany said on Tuesday that its frigate, the Sachsen, will take over from HMS Dragon as Nato’s maritime task group flagship while the British Destroyer is sent to the Mediterranean.
Moving HMS Dragon to defend Cyprus has left the UK with just one other Type 45, HMS Duncan, in service - from six. Duncan cannot fill in as it is due to take part in Operation Firecrest in the High North.
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty told The i Paper: “It is a national embarrassment that the Royal Navy has run out of ships. Britannia most definitely does not rule the waves.
“I have repeatedly raised the issue of a potential lack of Type-45s to fulfil our Nato flagship commitment. Earlier this month in response to me asking the Defence Secretary if he could guarantee a Royal Navy ship would conduct this role he assured me that we would fulfil our Nato commitments. It doesn’t look like it now.”
Turkey passing messages between US and Iran, says official
09:43 , James ReynoldsA senior official with the ruling Justice and Development Party says that Turkey is passing messages between the US and Iran to encourage de-escalation and direct talks.
Iran threatens to target US aircraft carrier once in range
09:39 , James ReynoldsIran’s navy commander says that the country is constantly monitoring the USS Lincoln strike group, and that it will be targeted as soon as it comes within range of missiles.
Egyptian official says 15-point plan a 'comprehensive deal' - but questions remain
09:25 , James ReynoldsThe 15-point plan now in Iranian hands is, in essence, "a comprehensive deal" to reach a ceasefire in the war, according to an Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts.
In addition to allowing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, it includes restrictions on Iran's missile program and its arming of armed groups, and "is being treated" as the basis for further negotiations between the nations, according to the official.
Any talks between the US and Iran would face monumental challenges. Many of Washington's shifting objectives, particularly over Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, remain difficult to achieve.
Also, it's not clear who in Iran's government has the authority to negotiate — or would be willing to, as Israel has vowed to continue killing the country's leaders.
Mediators are pushing for a possible in-person negotiation between the Iranians and the Americans, perhaps as soon as Friday in Pakistan, the Egyptian official and two Pakistani officials said.
Axios reported earlier that the US is aiming for talks on Thursday.
How has Iran responded to reports of a peace plan in the works?
09:00 , James ReynoldsIranian officials indicate the regime is not considering the US plans for a peace deal.
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the top spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, said on Wednesday: "Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you (Trump) negotiating with yourself?"
"People like us can never get along with people like you. As we have always said ... no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever."
Iran's leadership has previously said it cannot negotiate with the U.S. as Washington has attacked the country twice during high-level negotiations in the past two years.
Iran had a "very bad experience with American diplomacy," Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told India Today on Tuesday.
There was no dialogue or negotiations with Washington, as Iran's armed forces are focused on defending the country, he added.
Pedro Sanchez says Netanyahu 'seeks to inflict the same destruction' in Lebanon as in Gaza
08:28 , James ReynoldsSpeaking in the Spanish congress this morning, president Pedro Sanchez says that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to inflict upon Lebanon the same destruction as in Gaza.
Sanchez, who appeared before the lower house to explain his government's stance against the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, added that Iran's new Supreme Leader was more hardline than his predecessor.
"Mojtaba Khamenei is an equally dictatorial and even more bloodthirsty tyrant than his father," Sanchez said.
What do we know about the reported 15-point peace plan?
07:43 , James ReynoldsThe US is reported to have sent Iran a 15-point peace plan aimed at ending the war, now approaching its second month.
We have not had any official confirmation of what such a proposal might contain at this stage. Trump says Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon.
Israel’s Channel 12 had reported that the plan includes the following demands:
- Iran’s major nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow - the targets of last year’s 12-day war - will be taken out of use and destroyed;
- The UN’s nuclear watchdog will be able to oversee activity in Iran again;
- Iran will abandon the use of armed proxies in the region and stop funding regional affiliates, like Hezbollah;
- Iran will dismantle existing nuclear capabilities and commit to never trying to procure nukes;
- No nuclear material will be enriched in Iran and all enriched material will be handed to the IAEA;
- The Strait of Hormuz will remain open;
- Iranian missiles will be limited in quantity and range, only used for defence.
Iran in return would receive the following assurances from the US:
- American help in developing a civilian nuclear project for electricity production;
- The removal of all sanctions;
- The removal of the threat of renewing sanctions.
Australia to halt Iranian visitor visa holders from travelling
07:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAustralia’s home affairs ministry said it would temporarily restrict some Iranian visitor visa holders who are outside Australia from travelling to the country, saying the move was to protect the integrity of its immigration system.
Why Arab nations are scrambling to get South Korea’s Patriot-style air defence missiles
07:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA South Korean missile system built to intercept North Korean artillery has become one of the most sought after defence hardware for Gulf nations amid the ongoing US-Iran war.
Seoul's homegrown, medium range, surface-to-air missile Cheongung, also known as M-SAM Block II, scored a reported interception rate of 96 per cent against Iranian missiles that were fired at the United Arab nation.
Why Arab nations are scrambling to get South Korea’s air defence missiles
Iran says US and Israel attacked Bushehr nuclear plant again
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's atomic energy organisation said the US and Israeli forces attacked its Bushehr nuclear power plant yesterday.
"The American-Zionist enemy has attacked the Bushehr nuclear power plant site again," the organisation said in a statement, adding that "a projectile hit inside the enclosure of the Bushehr power plant".
"Initial reports indicate this incident did not cause any financial or technical damage, or human casualty, and the various areas of the power plant are unharmed."
Watch: 'We negotiate with bombs': Pete Hegseth warns Iran
06:55 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran opens Strait of Hormuz for non-hostile ships
06:51 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran says it has opened the Strait of Hormuz for "non-hostile vessels" if they coordinate with Iranian authorities.
The US-Israeli war against Iran has all but halted shipments of about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas through the strait, causing oil supply disruption.
A note from Iran's foreign minister was sent to the 15-member Security Council and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Sunday, Reuters reported.
"Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may - provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations - benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities," it read.
India's Reliance buys 5 million barrels of Iranian oil
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIndia's Reliance Industries has purchased 5 million barrels of Iranian crude, days after the US temporarily removed sanctions on the oil, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The operator of the world's biggest refining complex bought the oil from the National Iranian Oil Co, two of the sources said.
The deal marks India's first purchase of Iranian oil since the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer halted imports from Iran in May 2019, months after Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran.
The Trump administration on Friday issued a 30-day sanctions waiver for the purchase of Iranian oil already at sea. The waiver applies to oil loaded on any vessel, including tankers under sanctions, on or before 20 March and discharged by 19 April.
Iran says US is negotiating with itself
06:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US is negotiating with itself, an Iranian military spokesperson said, a day after US president Donald Trump said Tehran wants to make a deal to end the war in the Middle East.
A 15-point plan aimed at ending the conflict was drafted by Washington and sent to Tehran.
“Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you negotiating with yourself?” Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the unified command of Iran's armed forces, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said, taunting the US leadership.
“People like us can never get along with people like you.”
Mr Zolfaqari said US investments and pre-war energy prices would not return as long as Washington does not accept that regional stability is guaranteed by Iranian armed forces.
Palestinians gather around the remnants of an Iranian missile
06:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsraeli strikes kill four in Gaza
06:08 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsraeli airstrikes in central Gaza killed at least four Palestinians and injured several others, health officials in the Hamas-run strip said.
Flights between Australia and New Zealand cancelled
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Qantas-owned airline Jetstar has announced it is reducing flights between Australia and New Zealand due to the rising cost of jet fuel.
"We have made some temporary changes to our schedule, including due to a rise in jet fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East and other rising costs," a Jetstar NZ spokesperson said.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank our customers for their understanding."
The airline said at least 12 per cent of services on some flights between Auckland and Sydney, and between Auckland and Brisbane, will be impacted from May.
Israeli strikes kill 12 in Tehran, officials say
05:56 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAt least 12 people were killed in Tehran and 28 others sustained injuries in an “enemy attack” on the residential areas of Varamin, Iranian officials said this morning.
Israel struck the Iranian capital this morning, Israeli military and Iranian media said.
Joint US-Israeli strikes and retaliatory Iranian action
05:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Israel strikes Tehran even as Trump offers 'peace plan'
05:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael struck the Iranian capital Tehran this morning, even as president Donald Trump said the US was making progress in efforts to negotiate an end to the war, with reports of a 15-point plan sent to Tehran.
The Israeli Defense Forces said it launched a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure across Tehran. Iran’s semi-official SNN News Agency reported the strikes hit a residential area, with rescuers searching through the rubble.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia said they had repelled fresh drone attacks on Wednesday, without stating their origin. Drones targeted a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no casualties, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority said.
Iranian general dismisses Trump’s claims over talks
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Iranian military has responded to Donald Trump's latest claims over ceasefire negotiations and his alleged "15-point" ceasefire plan.
Addressing the US, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying: “Has the level of your internal conflicts reached the state of negotiating with yourselves.”
He also said: “Don’t call your failure an agreement.”
Iran strikes Israel's coastal city of Netanya
04:56 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Saudi Arabia 'pushing Trump' to put boots on Iran - report
04:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSaudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has been urging US president Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, The New York Times reported.
The crown prince has spoken to Mr Trump several times over the past week, pushing the president to keep fighting until the regime in Iran is toppled, the report stated.
Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that Gulf states were “inching toward” a more active role, after Riyadh allowed US forces to use an air base within its borders.
However, Saudi officials rejected the idea that Prince Mohammed has pushed to prolong the war.
“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always supported a peaceful resolution to this conflict, even before it began,” the Saudi government told The Times, noting that officials “remain in close contact with the Trump administration and our commitment remains unchanged.”
“Our primary concern today is to defend ourselves from the daily attacks on our people and our civilian infrastructure,” the government added. “Iran has chosen dangerous brinkmanship over serious diplomatic solutions. This harms every stakeholder involved but none more than Iran itself.”
Trump says Iran has agreed to never get nuclear weapons
04:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS 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
04:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPakistani 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'
04:00 , Rachel DobkinA 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”.