US Iran War Live Updates: US-Iran conflict enters new phase with fresh strikes and stalled diplomacy

The renewed fighting reflects a pattern that has defined recent months, with Washington alternating between calls for negotiations and military threats in an effort to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme. So far, neither approach has produced a breakthrough.The conflict is also creating political and military challenges for the Trump administration. The war has drawn criticism from many Americans, unsettled global markets and comes just months before the US midterm elections in November. Continued hostilities have also resulted in more American casualties while increasing pressure on US stocks of advanced air defence missiles.Saudi Arabia's involvement has further changed the regional picture.Riyadh joined US forces in strikes on logistics hubs and weapons facilities used by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq after drone attacks targeted the kingdom. A US official said the Saudi and Iraqi incidents were unrelated.Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman visited the White House on Wednesday, where he held separate meetings with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, according to a person familiar with the discussions.Elsewhere, drone attacks set two natural gas vessels ablaze at an Eg...