By Samia Nakhoul, Parisa Hafezi and John Irish DUBAI, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Iran and the United States are sliding rapidly towards military conflict as hopes fade for a diplomatic solution to their standoff over Tehran’s nuclear programme,

In Tehran’s view, this is not just about forcing Iran back into nuclear compliance; it is about permanently altering the strategic equation that allowed it to strike Israel directly for the first time and suffer minimal consequences.

Within days of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last year, all sides agreed to a cease-fire. This time could be different.

The 86-year-old's fierce devotion to the Islamic Republic, hostility to the West and guile spinning out negotiations will shape the region's fate.

There’s growing speculation that a new war could be on the horizon in the Middle East as the United States drastically boosts its military presence in the region amid rising tensions with Iran. It’s unclear if U.

U.S. forces surge into the Middle East amid Iran tensions, drawing comparisons to 2003 Iraq buildup. Military experts say intent differs fundamentally.