Iran war live: Trump again says talks under way; 12 killed in south Tehran

Recent Iranian missile launches, including a failed attempt to target the US-UK base in Diego Garcia (nearly 4,000km from Iran), have raised concerns about the range and capability of Iran's missile program. While Iran previously claimed a self-imposed limit of 2,000km, Israel alleges their missiles can reach 4,000km, potentially putting much of Europe, including London and Paris, within range. The US and UK closely monitor Iranian missile launches using space-based satellites and ground-based radar systems. Despite possessing a large stockpile of short-range missiles used against Israel and Gulf nations, the extent of Iran's intermediate-range ballistic missile program (3,000km to 5,500km) remains less clear. The launches suggest Iran may not be fully transparent about its missile capabilities.

Iran has denied launching missiles at the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, dismissing claims as an Israeli "false flag" operation. The denial follows reports in US media outlets alleging a missile launch between Thursday night and Friday morning that failed to hit the base. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the accusations are disinformation, noting that even NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte did not confirm Israel's claim that Iranian intercontinental ballistic missiles were used. Confirmation of Iran's involvement would suggest the country possesses missiles with a range exceeding 4,000km, capable of reaching London, despite Iran's previous claims of limiting missile range to under 2,000km.

Since February 28th, the US and Israel have conducted bombing raids in Iran, killing dozens of senior officials, including a former supreme leader. Despite these losses, Iran argues its political system remains solid and resilient. This conflict, now in its fourth week, contrasts with a previous US raid in Venezuela where President Maduro was abducted. The situation has caused a surge in oil prices, prompting President Trump to temporarily halt strikes on Iranian power plants for five days. The US has also threatened to deploy more warships and marines to the region, raising concerns about further escalation. Analysts suggest Iran is likely to withstand these attacks, unlike Venezuela.

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on Sunday regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East, specifically focusing on the blocked Strait of Hormuz. The leaders agreed that reopening the strait, a vital route for global oil supply, was essential for global energy market stability. The Strait has been blocked by Iran since coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, triggering a broader regional war. Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on March 21 demanding the strait's reopening, threatening further action if it was not met. The conversation signals a potential improvement in relations between Trump and Starmer, who previously disagreed on the use of UK military bases in the conflict.

In March 2026, President Trump ordered the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This decision followed what Trump described as "good and productive conversations" with Tehran. According to Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, this postponement could offer Trump an "off-ramp" from potential war with Iran, despite the US not pursuing regime change. The strikes were planned against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The reason for the postponement was to allow for further diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran.

On March 22, 2026, the UK condemned an alleged Iranian missile attack targeting the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. US media reported that two ballistic missiles were launched, with one failing and the other intercepted by a US warship. An Iranian official denied Iran's involvement in the incident, which occurred after the US and Israel initiated a war on Iran in February, aiming to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The US has not officially commented on the missile launch. The alleged attack happened hours before the UK agreed to allow the US to use its military bases for self-defense measures against Iran. Diego Garcia is located 4,000km from Iran.

Iran launched ballistic missiles towards the UK-US Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, nearly 4,000km from its coast, signaling its continued capabilities amidst ongoing conflict. The launch, occurring after three weeks of US-Israeli bombardment, demonstrates a missile range exceeding previous estimates of 3,000km for Iranian medium-range ballistic missiles. While a UK official stated the attack was unsuccessful, experts note the significance of Iran's ability to strike such a distant target. The Diego Garcia base is a military facility used by the US for missions related to the conflict with Iran. This action suggests Iran aims to demonstrate its strategic reach despite facing military pressure.

US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, demanding the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the demand was not met. The ultimatum followed reports from Israeli officials that Iran had launched long-range missiles for the first time, with one strike injuring dozens near Israel's nuclear site. According to the Israeli military, Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The Israeli military stated that these missiles, while not targeting Israel, have the range to reach European capitals.

According to US media reports, Iran launched ballistic missiles at a military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, a territory jointly used by the UK and the US. The reported attack occurred on Friday morning and involved two medium-range missiles. While the missiles were launched, reports indicate they failed to hit the facility. As of yet, neither the UK nor the US governments have publicly confirmed the incident. The Chagos Islands are currently subject to a diplomatic dispute involving the UK, the US, and Mauritius. The reports also mention US President Trump's criticism of UK Prime Minister Starmer's refusal to authorize the base's use for US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Iran reportedly launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean, on Friday. The alleged launch, approximately 2,500 miles from Iran, suggests that Iran's missile capabilities exceed previously stated limits. Prior to Operation Epic Fury on February 28th, Iranian officials claimed their missiles had a range below 2,000 km. An Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson stated the missiles had a 4,000 km range and were capable of reaching European capitals. Experts suggest this action proves the Trump administration's concerns about Iran's missile capabilities were justified and that Iran's missile program poses a significant threat.

The US-Israeli war against Iran, ongoing for three weeks, is currently characterized by mixed messages and uncertainty. Despite President Trump's claims that the war is "very complete" and "winding down," the US is deploying additional ground forces and continuing airstrikes on Iranian targets. While Trump insists opening the Strait of Hormuz is a "simple military maneuver," only Iranian-approved ships are passing through. Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants if Hormuz isn't fully opened within 48 hours. His stated objectives for the war include degrading Iran's military, defense infrastructure, and nuclear program, as well as protecting US allies. Notably absent from his objectives is securing the Strait of Hormuz, which he believes should be the responsibility of other nations. Also absent are previous demands for Iranian regime change or "unconditional surrender."

In March 2026, the war between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its fourth week, resulting in over 1,400 deaths in Iran, including many children. The conflict began with attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation against Israel and US bases, including a missile strike on the Diego Garcia base. Iran has threatened further action against Western countries, Gulf states, and global shipping, citing self-defense after the UK allowed the US to use its bases for strikes. The Iranian military has launched numerous attacks on Israel and US bases in the Gulf, escalating conflict at energy sites. Millions of Iranians observed Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz amidst the ongoing conflict and anti-Western protests. The US is reportedly considering winding down the conflict but has ruled out a ceasefire.

President Trump stated he is considering "winding down" US military operations against Iran, three weeks into the conflict. He indicated the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage, would need to be policed by other nations, not the United States. Trump listed objectives for the war, including preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, destroying its military capabilities, and protecting Gulf allies. Despite the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the deployment of additional Marines to the Middle East, Trump signaled a potential end to the conflict. His statement marks the strongest indication yet of a possible de-escalation of US military involvement in the region.

Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for their lack of support in the US-Israel war against Iran, particularly regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He accused NATO countries of being "cowards" for not assisting in opening the Strait, which he believes is the primary cause of high oil prices. Trump claims the military conflict is largely won with minimal risk for allies, yet they are unwilling to help secure the vital waterway. His comments come as NATO announced adjustments to its mission in Iraq, including the relocation of personnel to Europe, amid the ongoing conflict that began in late February and has disrupted global markets. Trump has been calling for allies to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, former U.S. President Trump criticized NATO allies for their perceived lack of support in the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which began on February 28th. Trump stated that NATO is a "paper tiger" without the United States. He called on NATO countries to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, claiming this would alleviate high oil prices. Trump asserted that the military conflict is won with little danger to NATO countries, and labeled them "cowards" for not participating in opening the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that the U.S. will remember their inaction. The conflict has reportedly disrupted global markets, resulted in thousands of deaths, and displaced millions.