US-Iran war intensifies as diplomacy continues

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Trump confirmed that US officials had spoken with Iranian representatives through intermediaries, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said further indirect talks with Qatari mediators were expected. The diplomatic activity has not halted the conflict: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed Iranian forces had pushed enemy forces away from southern waters, and the Iranian rial fell to a record low. The crisis is also affecting energy and transport security, with Iraq reportedly struggling to find practical alternatives for oil exports if Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist. Separately, five British nationals arrested near RAF Fairford, a base used by the US for strikes on Iran, were released on bail while a terrorism investigation continues.

Sources: Indian Express, Reuters, Arab News, NDTV, NPR