Trump’s Cabinet made its case for the war during its first meeting since conflict with Iran began nearly a month ago. But the signals were mixed, details thin and an endgame nowhere in sight.

Iran and the United States hardened their positions as diplomacy aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the war appeared to be faltering

Trump claims oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz signal real talks, as Steve Witkoff reports positive signs in U.S.-Iran backchannel negotiations.

The assassination of Alireza Tangsiri, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy commander, has given Iran a headache.

Iran and the United States appear at an impasse, with each side hardening its position over talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war

President Trump said Iran gifted the U.S. multiple boats of oil that were moved through the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. Trump made the comments during a Cabinet meeting after saying the gifts were proof that the regime was looking to negotiate an end to the war.

Oil pared much of its earlier price declines on Wednesday as traders monitored efforts to de-escalate hostilities in the Persian Gulf and a resumption of some crude flows in the region. Prospects for a cease-fire still appeared out of reach.

Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East, issuing its own counterproposal instead, as it launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Two officials from Pakistan described the 15-point U.