UPDATES: Trump tightens the screws as Iran war enters deadly new phase Trump piles pressure on Iran as fresh strikes hit across countryThe United States has launched another wave of airstrikes across Iran as President Donald Trump ramps up military pressure and dismisses Tehran's latest diplomatic overtures. US forces struck military targets overnight in western and southern Iran, with Iranian state media reporting explosions in multiple cities. Video verified by CNN showed large fires burning near Behbahan airport in Khuzestan Province following one of the attacks. The latest bombardment marks another escalation as the conflict enters its second week with no sign of either side backing down. Rubio: Iran isn't serious about peaceSecretary of State Marco Rubio accused Tehran of using negotiations as a delaying tactic, insisting Washington remains open to diplomacy but only if Iran negotiates in good faith. "The US is always committed to diplomacy," Rubio said. "If they're serious, we're serious. If they're not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and the interests of our allies." Rubio also warned the world could not allow Iran to dictate who passes through the Strait of Hormuz, calling any such claim a "dangerous precedent." Oil crisis deepensFears over global energy supplies intensified after two Saudi oil tankers reportedly turned back following fresh threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces operating in the Red Sea. The disruption adds to mounting pressure on international shipping, with the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb now emerging as twin flashpoints capable of driving oil prices sharply higher. Analysts warn prolonged instability could trigger another global energy shock. Pickaxe Mountain moves into Trump's crosshairsAttention is now turning to Iran's secretive Pickaxe Mountain complex after Trump vowed to strike the heavily fortified underground site "pretty soon." Built near the Natanz nuclear facility, Pickaxe Mountain is believed to house advanced uranium enrichment equipment and possibly part of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. Military experts caution the deeply buried complex would be one of the hardest targets Iran possesses, although attacks on ventilation systems, power supplies and access tunnels could still cause significant damage. War bill keeps climbingDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed the conflict has already cost the United States $37.5 billion, although independent analysts believe the true figure is substantially higher once operational, logistical and naval deployments are included. The administration is now seeking billions more from Congress to continue military operations. Saudi nuclear deal raises new questionsMeanwhile, reports from Washington indicate President Trump has approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. The proposed deal would reportedly allow Riyadh to enrich uranium under conditions negotiated with the United States, a move likely to alarm both Iran and Israel. Critics fear it could reshape the nuclear balance across the Middle East, while supporters argue closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia is essential to counter Iran's regional ambitions. Pence backs Trump strategyFormer Vice President Mike Pence threw his support behind the President's handling of the conflict, saying Trump was "right to take the fight to Iran." Pence also expressed scepticism that Tehran genuinely wants peace, arguing there is little evidence Iran intends to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or negotiate a lasting settlement. With fresh strikes, rising military costs and diplomacy stalled once again, hopes for a ceasefire appear increasingly remote as the Middle East edges toward an even wider conflict. SOURCE
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