US-Iran war news LIVE: Oil prices extended gains on reports that Iran attacked “hostile targets” in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran seeking to bar US ships from the critical waterway in a deal with Oman.

By expanding the arena of fighting in the region, experts say, Tehran sent a warning about the dangers of a widening war.

Iraq signed $100 billion in U.S. energy deals with Chevron and ExxonMobil. But Washington is forcing Baghdad to balance ties with Iran and China.

After three difficult years, armed groups loyal to Tehran appear to be bouncing back across the Middle East, reinforcing Iran’s leverage in its war with the United States and Israel.

The United States paused attacks on Iran for a second straight day Sunday and Tehran said it had done so too, as efforts continued to bring the countries back to negotiations on an interim ceasefire.

A billboard depicting a fallen Statue of Liberty has appeared in Revolution Square in Tehran, as Iran continues to display provocative murals featuring the Trump family and Netanyahu

"Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a source of revenue, and it is waging war to keep collecting," writes Bobby Ghosh.

Walk through a diaspora protest in London, Los Angeles, or Toronto, and you will spot something that shatters decades of state propaganda. Right beside the ancient Persian Lion and Sun flag flies the Star of David.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran remains a threat amid reports he is considering a "massive attack," while Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Iranian leaders in Tehran to strengthen strategic cooperation.

Iran has said it is not seeking to ​resume peace ⁠talks with the U.S., although it would pause its own attacks for as long as Trump's self-imposed ceasefire continues.

Iraq’s failure to pay July salaries could trigger wider, potentially violent protests as oil export disruptions and US financial controls strain Baghdad, an expert said.