The US and Iran have exchanged airstrikes, sparking a significant escalation in their long-standing conflict.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes overnight, stating that a ceasefire was 'over' and US negotiators could 'keep talking' with Iranians 'if they want', according to the BBC World.

The strikes followed a series of missile attacks by Iran against US targets in Iraq, which were reportedly 'significant', although not causing 'serious loss of life'.

US authorities reported two explosions on Tuesday in the city of Erbil, in the Kurdistan region, where US troops are stationed.

Iran has been at odds with the US since the US pulled out of a nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, prompting the Iranian government to gradually increase its uranium enrichment efforts.

damaged buildings in Erbil, Iraq, after Iranian missile strikes

Speaking ahead of a Nato summit, Mr Trump said the US 'will not be deterred' by Iranian aggression, while also leaving the door open for further diplomatic engagement.

The international community is bracing itself for further escalation, with Nato officials set to meet later today to discuss a unified response to the situation.

A Nato spokesperson told the BBC that the alliance 'stands ready' to support its member states and respond to 'any further aggression from Iran', while also stressing the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was due to meet his Iranian counterpart in Paris today to discuss the crisis, although the Iranian foreign ministry announced that they would not be attending as scheduled.