The majority of those reported killed were in Iran and Lebanon, and many were civilians. Leavitt said talks with Iran were progressing, adding that what Tehran says publicly differs from what it tells U.S. officials in private. Trump has cited the prevention of Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons as a reason for attacking the country on February 28. FEARS OF ESCALATIONThe White House said Trump was considering asking Arab nations to pay for the cost of the war. Iran has fired on Arab Gulf states during the conflict and war has been reignited between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Source: The Standard March 31, 2026 08:27 UTC