Iran-US Conflict Escalates, Talks Underway

0:00On March 24, Air strikes hammered Iran's capital, Tehran, while Iranian missiles and drones hid Tel Aviv and other spots across the Middle East. President Donald Trump claimed the United States is negotiating with Iran to end the conflict, even as thousands of U.S. Marines head to the Gulf. Region, Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping and pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel for Brent Crude, up nearly. 40 percent since the war began, Trump delayed his deadline for reopening the waterway and held off on bombing Iran's power plants amid these talks. Casualties mount quickly, with Iran's death toll over $1,500, more than $1,000 killed in Lebanon from related strikes, 15 in Israel, and at least 13 U.S. troops lost. Regional fallout includes power outages in Kuwait, drone interceptions in Saudi Arabia, and the Emirates, and Lebanon expelling Iran's ambassador. Pakistan stepped up to host potential diplomatic talks, with U.S. agreement in principle,

1:02the leaked details complicated quiet efforts. Iran issues strong denials and negotiations, vowing to fight until total victory, while mediators push to protect energy sites and reopen the Strait. Challenges loom large for any deal, from Iran's missile and nuclear programs to suspicions over past U.S. strikes during talks. With Marines arriving soon in threats of mining the Gulf, the fighting shows no signs of slowing, as both sides dig in.