Evening Briefing Europe

US Steps Up Strikes on Iran, Oil Retreats

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Smoke following an air attack in Tehran, on March 10.Photographer: Fatemeh Bahrami/Getty Images

The US said it is conducting its most intense day of attacks against Iran since the conflict began. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struck an aggressive tone today even after President Donald Trump had suggested the war could end soon.

“We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” Hegseth said during a press conference. Later, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said Trump was always willing to talk, while casting doubt on Iranian willingness to do so.