Israeli war with Iran widened, and some of Iran's Gulf neighbors warned that Iran's retaliatory fire could draw them into the spreading conflict.

Iran is responding to the strikes by launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases.

Trump added that he had ordered oil tanker insurance support, a move that marks an aggressive step to try to contain soaring energy prices.

President Trump publicly addressed the escalating conflict with Iran, discussing the rationale behind the U.S. strikes and the subsequent impact on Americans in the region.

The U.S. announced the names of four soldiers who were killed by an Iranian drone on Sunday. The leader of the U.S. Central Command said more than 50,000 troops, 200 fighters, two aircraft carriers and bombers were participating in the fighting.

By Patricia Zengerle, David Morgan and Michael Martina WASHINGTON, March 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's top national security advisers spent much of the day on Tuesday making the case to Congress for the U.

President Trump said he "might have forced Israel's hand" in deciding to launch strikes against Tehran as the war in the Middle East continues to escalate.