Middle East crisis live: US says nearly 2,000 targets hit in Iran war; Trump says navy may escort tankers through Strait of Hormuz

US military says strikes in the first 24 hours was nearly double the scale of the 2003 ‘shock-and-awe’ operation in Iraq; US president orders insurance to be provided for shipping in crucial waterway Trump administration has still not settled on reasons for war Middle East attacks intensify as Trump rejects Iran’s attempt to talk Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Middle East crisis as it enters day five. The US military has claimed that the number of strikes carried out on Satu...

By Kate Lamb

Is the US at war with Iran, and will it put boots on the ground?

Some of the main questions asked about the military developments in the Middle East, and what we know so far.

US Iran News LIVE updates: US strikes nearly 2,000 targets in Iran as conflict escalates; Khamenei’s son named successor

IUS Iran News LIVE updates: Israel’s military said it had begun a “broad wave of attacks” across Iran, targeting missile launch sites, air defence systems and other infrastructure linked to what it described as the Iranian “terror regime”.

US, Israel strike Qom leadership council

• Iran says building housing Assembly of Experts, tasked with electing new supreme leader, was ‘not in use’ • Death toll rises to 787 after Tehran rocked by intense bombing; Tel Aviv hit by retaliatory salvos • Khamenei to be laid to rest in Mashhad • Trump shatters Pehlavi’s ambitions, says ‘someone from within’ should take over Iran • Rubio reveals US invasion triggered by fear of imminent Israeli attack • US president contradicts secretary of state, says he may have ‘forced Israel’s hand’ ...

By none@none.com (Agencies)