The U.S. failed to "take Vienna" in the Iran conflict, resulting in an undeterred and belligerent Iran that has been awarded a vote in deciding the control of the most strategically important commercial chokepoint in the world.

The U.S. failed to "take Vienna" in the Iran conflict, resulting in an undeterred and belligerent Iran that has been awarded a vote in deciding the control of the most strategically important commercial chokepoint in the world.

Explosions reported across Iran after Donald Trump vowed to ‘hit them hard again’, with Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan targeted by Tehran

• Middle East crisis – live updates

The US launched a new round of airstrikes on Iran into Thursday morning after Donald Trump warned Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations, prompting Iran to respond with strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

The new US assault across a range of Iranian cities came as efforts to negotiate an end to the war again appeared stuck, with Iran insisting it would maintain its chokehold on the strait of Hormuz. The American attack appeared more intense and wider than the day before, but Iran released no information about what was hit.

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© Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/Pool/Aaron Schwartz - Pool/CNP/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/Pool/Aaron Schwartz - Pool/CNP/Shutterstock

The city of Nabatieh once spoke to the changing fortunes of Lebanon. Now, amid unending war, it speaks to the country’s worst fears.

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None of the participants in the recent wars of the Middle East can claim victory. All are to blame.

© Photo Illustration by Tam Stockton for The New York Times