Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee this week pushed forward the Trump administration’s desired “Department of War” name change in passing their version of the annual defense policy bill.  In closed-door deliberations over its fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the panel included language to formally change the Department of Defense to the…

Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee this week pushed forward the Trump administration’s desired “Department of War” name change in passing their version of the annual defense policy bill.  In closed-door deliberations over its fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the panel included language to formally change the Department of Defense to the…

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday slammed a reporter’s question about whether a U.S. strike on Iran’s civilian infrastructure would be considered a war crime.  “Well, it’s precisely the kind of disingenuous question that I’m used to from the media, impugning the motives of the folks on our side who are incredibly professional and incredibly…

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday slammed a reporter’s question about whether a U.S. strike on Iran’s civilian infrastructure would be considered a war crime.  “Well, it’s precisely the kind of disingenuous question that I’m used to from the media, impugning the motives of the folks on our side who are incredibly professional and incredibly…

With the latest exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran, the war in the Persian Gulf and its fragile ceasefire — marked by increasingly serious skirmishes — has entered a new phase, the most dangerous yet, raising the prospect of a return to hostilities. While the United States attacked Iranian targets for the second consecutive night, the Iranian General Staff has once again announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that Iranian troops will respond “decisively” to any attack by the adversary. President Donald Trump has threatened attacks may continue on Thursday if Tehran does not accept his conditions for peace.

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© Foto: Mohammed Zaatari (AP Photo) (AP)

A wave of US strikes represents the gravest test yet of the fragile truce. Here’s what happened, what officials are saying and whether the deal can survive

• Middle East crisis – live updates

The US launched strikes across southern Iran for a second consecutive day on Thursday. Although there have been several breaches of the ceasefire agreed between the two sides in April, the attacks this week – launched after the downing of a US helicopter over the strait of Hormuz – represent the most serious and extensive breakdown of the truce to date.

The US president, Donald Trump, raised the prospect of further attacks, while his defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, told reporters that if strikes “have to happen … they will be strong and they will be clear”.

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© Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA

© Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA

© Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA