Historic direct talks between the United States and Iran are under way in Islamabad, with diplomats trying to preserve a ceasefire and avoid a new regional conflict.

Iran says it may abandon the ceasefire after new Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed more than 300 people in two days. Urgent talks are now planned in Pakistan.

President Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has intensified fears of a wider Middle East war. As US and Israeli strikes continue and Tehran threatens retaliation, oil prices and global tensions are rising.

Donald Trump has again changed his estimate for how long the war with Iran may last, saying the conflict could end within two to three weeks. But other White House officials have given different timelines, raising new uncertainty over whether the fighting is nearing an end or entering a longer and more dangerous phase.

Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike Iran’s oil wells, power plants and export terminals if Tehran does not agree to a deal “shortly”, escalating fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Yemen’s Houthis say they have launched a second missile and drone strike on Israel within 24 hours, warning that more attacks will follow as the Israel-Iran war expands into a wider regional confrontation.