Trump expresses cautious optimism about ending nearly a month of war

Iran and Israel traded fresh strikes yesterday as the Middle East war raged on, though a diplomatic push to bring Iran and the United States  to the negotiating table appeared to be gathering pace.

Iran’s veteran supreme leader and a host of other top figures and Revolutionary Guards commanders have been killed in US-Israeli strikes but the ruling system has maintained its ability to strategise and operate in the war that began on February 28. Here is a guide to who now wields power and influence in a depleted but resilient hierarchy:

The crisis has escalated across the Middle East

Iran is at war with Israel and the United States, while Israel is also battling Tehran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In a bombshell announcement on Monday, Trump said the US had engaged in "very good" talks to end the war, though Iran denied any dialogue had taken place

Much of Asia is heavily exposed to the energy crisis that has unfolded since the US-Israel attack on Iran began last month.

The vessel, which took on food, fuel and ammunition at Souda Bay in February, reported a laundry fire on March 12 which injured two crew members.

The missiles triggered air raid sirens in parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv where blasts from interceptions were heard.

Earlier on Monday, Trump had postponed for five days a plan to hit Iran's energy grid. Iran later denied that it had engaged in negotiations with the United States.

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir spoke with Trump on Sunday, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday

Iran denied on Monday that it had engaged in negotiations with the United States, after President Donald Trump postponed a threat to bomb Iran's power grid because of what he described as productive talks with unidentified Iranian officials.

Iran launched another round of missiles towards Israel on Tuesday morning

Denied any negotiations or talks with US

Talks held with 'very reasonable people', not Iran's new supreme leader, Trump clarifies

Trump posted earlier, saying 'good' talks with Iran on 'complete and total resolution of hostilities'

Tehran denies Trump claims

Warning applies to most Arab countries

Dollar strengthens as investors seek safe‑haven amid escalating Middle East tensions

Israel expects 'weeks more of fighting'