President Donald Trump said the US is “fairly close” to reaching a new agreement with Iran, while firmly reiterating that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Amid rising tensions, he urged restraint from Israel but emphasised that diplomacy remains his preferred path.

Trump will be tested anew on his ability to make good on a campaign promise to disentangle the U.S. from foreign conflicts.

an Iranian spokesperson later called nuclear talks with the US "meaningless" after Israel's barrage of strikes on the country.