This is the daily briefing for readers catching up on the war. Day 25.

Talks or no talks. Trump said Monday the US is in talks to end the war. Iran's foreign ministry denied it — then Iran's foreign minister told state media Tehran is "ready for negotiations if conditions are met." [1] The contradiction may be deliberate ambiguity from both sides, or it may be two governments describing different back channels. Oil prices briefly dipped below $100 on the talks claim, then rose back above $104 when Iran issued the denial. [2]

Tel Aviv hit. A missile struck a street in central Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning. Casualties reported. Iran's barrages targeting Israel continue alongside strikes on Gulf Arab states that are being pulled deeper into the conflict overnight. [1]

Arrow 3 operational but strained. Israel's Arrow 3 system intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile in space on March 22. But as this paper reported, interceptor stockpiles are under pressure. Israel denies running low; Semafor and Haaretz report otherwise. [3]

Marines due Friday. Approximately 8,000 US Marines are converging on the Gulf, with arrival expected by March 27 — the day Trump's extended deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires. The 82nd Airborne is on standby. [4]

Hormuz. Indian ships broke through with Iranian Navy escorts after diplomatic engagement by New Delhi. The strait remains functionally controlled by Iran for most traffic. [5]

Death toll. More than 2,000 people killed across the conflict — approximately 1,200 in Iran, 1,000 in Lebanon, 15 in Israel, 13 US service members. The numbers are rising daily. [6]

-- YOSEF STERN, Jerusalem