Iran war: Tehran says it 'never welcomed war'

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated following a second wave of US military strikes and a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran maintains it does not want war but is prepared to defend itself, while diplomatic talks continue between other regional actors.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens global oil supplies and regional stability, marking a significant escalation in US-Iran relations.
Iran has once again reiterated that it "must always be ready for battle" and stand its ground after the latest wave of US strikes. Meanwhile, Washington says Israel and Lebanon have held fresh talks.
https://p.dw.com/p/5H787 The latest round of US strikes came after Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports Advertisement Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know These live updates have closed. Thank you for joining us.
You can follow DW's continuing coverage of developments in the Middle East here.
Here are a few of the top headlines of the war between the US and Iran on Wednesday, July 15.
Iran stresses it 'never welcomed war' but must 'stand our ground'
Israel, Lebanon hold fresh round of talks, US says
Explosions heard near US consulate in Irbil, Iraq
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