The United States and Iran are engaged in increasingly hostile rhetoric as US warships move into the Arabian Sea, despite regional nations seeking a diplomatic solution to prevent a military flare-up. US President Donald Trump warned this week that “ time is running out ” for Iran to return to talks to reach a new deal on its nuclear programme.

Iran-US news live updates: US President Donald Trump is weighing an expanded set of military options against Iran, including possible commando operations at nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, Iran security officials reportedly detained thousands of people to stop further protests.

CNN’s Fred Pleitgen visits Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where protests started in late December. Thousands were killed and at least 40,000 arrested in the subsequent crackdown, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Iran is on the edge as journalists warn footage emerging from Tehran shows scenes resembling a warzone, describing unarmed protesters shot dead during clashes with heavily armed security forces. BBC Persian correspondent Bahman Kalbasi said videos circulating from inside Iran were indistinguishable from battlefield footage,

US President Trump expressed a preference for diplomacy with Iran, despite bolstering US military presence in the Middle East. He reiterated demands for Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions and cease killing protesters.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he hoped to avoid military action against Iran, which has threatened to strike American bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack. Trump said he is speaking with Iran and left open the possibility of avoiding a military operation after earlier warning time was "running out" for Tehran as the United States sends a large naval fleet to the region,

Activists say at least 6,221 people have been killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests and many more are still feared dead.

Iran vowed Thursday to conduct live-fire military drills in one of the world’s most vital sea passages — which sees 20% of the globe’s oil transports — next week, just two

The announcement seems to reflect a growing concern among Iranian leadership regarding the possibility of widespread military confrontation.