Trump spent the last week alternating between threats issued on social media and private concerns that a strike he orders could drag the US into prolonged war.

If the United States bombs an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran or kills the country’s supreme leader, it could kick off a more dangerous and unpredictable phase in the war.

Just ask Jimmy Carter, whose White House term was forever framed by the unsuccessful attempt to rescue hostages held by Iran in 1979. That led to his defeat in 1980 by Ronald Reagan. President Donald Trump no doubt is aware of history – and perhaps irony as well – as events in Iran are again front and center at a pivotal moment early in his second stint in the White House.

Photo/Xinhua] GENEVA - Iranian and European officials held their first face-to-face talks on Friday since the recent escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, stressing the importance of continued diplomatic engagement.

By Parisa Hafezi, Crispian Balmer and Jana Choukeir DUBAI/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.

Iran said Friday it would not resume nuclear negotiations with the United States until Israel halts its attacks, as Israel's military chief warned the week-old war will be "prolonged".