Israel's Defense Forces said Thursday that Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri has been killed in a "precise strike" in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

Iran launched missiles at Israel, injuring nine, as President Trump weighs a potential land invasion or a peace deal mediated by Pakistan.

The biggest annual political conference for American conservatives, normally a spotlight for unity around President Donald Trump and his policies, is showing cracks of dissension as the war in Iran nears its fifth week.

Talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing – though both sides are describing things very differently. US President Donald Trump claimed Tehran wants to make a deal “so badly,” while Iran stressed that Washington’s desire for a deal is “an admission of defeat.

Tehran claimed on Wednesday it has rejected a US ceasefire plan, as it ramped up attacks on Israel and Gulf states and proposed its own terms, including reparations and control of Hormuz. View on euro

Iran and the United States hardened their positions as diplomacy aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the war appeared to be faltering Thursday. Tehran moved to formalize its control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz as Washington prepared for the arrival of combat forces that could be used on the ground in the Islamic Republic.

Airstrikes battered Iran and Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel and sites across the Mideast on Tuesday, even as President Donald Trump said the United States was in talks with the Islamic Republic to end the war.

Regional tensions rise as Israel, Iran and US escalate military moves; diplomacy remains uncertain. Follow Newsweek's live blog.