Amid rising tensions, Amir Hatami tells Iranian military intelligence officials the country is at highest level of war preparedness, despite sanctions

Alert says employees at missions in Baghdad and in Erbil were told to leave; visa services temporarily suspended

Pompeo highest-ranking American to see Putin since last July; Russian leader says two powers should 'fully restore' relations

Khamenei tells Iranian officials that Washington 'will have to withdraw' in standoff, adds there will be no nuclear talks with current US administration

US president says he could potentially deploy 'a hell of a lot more' soldiers to Persian Gulf in the future, but hopes no need to

In escalating sabre-rattling, Tehran's ambassador to Britain also lashes Washington's 'theatrical maneuvers,' but warns 'Don't test us'

Amid rising tensions with US, Iranian president says he hopes Tehran can 'pass this difficult period with glory... and defeat the enemy'

War of words after US official accuses Iran of blowing holes in 4 tankers; assaults come days after Israeli TV said Israel warned the US that Iran was weighing such attacks

Proposal by Pentagon officials suggests deployment nearing Gulf War levels if Iran were to expedite nuclear program or targets US forces

Each ship has a 5- to 10-foot hole near or just below water line, and American military team believes they were caused by explosive charges set by Iranians or their proxies