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US-Iran war

US Vice President JD Vance claims Iran losing control over Strait of Hormuz

  • US, Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb 28, with Trump declaring “major combat operations”
  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei martyred in the strikes, and his son Mojtaba succeeded him in March
  • A 2-week ceasefire agreed on April 8, followed by US-Iran face-to-face talks in Pakistan later that month
  • A preliminary agreement reached in June, but renewed fighting and disputes over Strait of Hormuz continued through July
  • The war has now entered its 6th month, with Hormuz remaining at the centre of the crisis

Houthis say drones targeted Saudi positions

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said Thursday that “Rujum” drones targeted Saudi military positions, vehicles and troop concentrations on several fronts, the group-run SABA news agency reported.

The Houthis said several Saudi military vehicles were set on fire or destroyed, and that barracks and troop concentrations were also targeted, according to the report.
 

Netanyahu says toppling Iran's govt 'within reach'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said Iran’s government was weaker than ever and fighting for its survival, expressing confidence that toppling it was “within reach” as the United States resumed attacks.

Netanyahu said Iran’s government was “currently teetering” and described its overthrow as the central task still ahead.

“I am convinced that we can remove this threat once and for all — that is, to overthrow this government. That is the central task that still lies ahead of us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is within reach,” he said.

Netanyahu also said Iran had attacked others in the region but had not targeted Israel, arguing that Tehran was aware of Israel’s military strength and determination.

“They know our power — the strength of our arms — and our determination,” he said.

US offers $10 million for information on IRGC cyber official

The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program on Thursday offered up to $10 million or relocation assistance for information leading to the identification or location of Amir Yaryab, a senior IRGC cyber official.

According to a Rewards for Justice statement, Yaryab heads the IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command’s Cyber Operations Command and oversees several affiliated groups accused of targeting defense, energy, financial, telecommunications, shipping, airline and media infrastructure in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Washington said he also oversees operations by IRGC-linked groups including CyberAv3ngers, Dadeh Afzar Arman and Mehrsam Andisheh Saz Nik, which have used malware to target civilian infrastructure worldwide.


 

Oman rejects Iran's Hormuz fee proposal despite IRGC claim: report

Oman has rejected Iran’s proposal to jointly charge service fees on commercial ships using the Strait of Hormuz, the New York Post reported Thursday, citing a high-ranking regional official.

The official told the Post that Muscat declined to consent to fees for environmental and security services, even on a voluntary basis. A US official separately told the newspaper last week that the terms of a proposed revenue-sharing arrangement had not been finalized.

The report contradicts an earlier claim by IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi that Iran and Oman had reached agreements over their respective shares of the strait’s waters and revenues after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi in Tehran. 

Bessent welcomes EU joining US-led Operation Economic Outcast

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent welcomed the European Union’s decision to join the US-led Operation Economic Outcast against Iran on Thursday, praising its “strong and early stance.”

“The European Union has officially joined Operation Economic Outcast,” Bessent wrote in a post on X.

Bessent also shared an EU statement issued in the context of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meetings, in which the bloc welcomed additional economic pressure on Iran, including through the US-led operation.
 

Jordan, Bahrain kings call for halt to Iran-US escalation

Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa discussed regional developments amid hostilities between Iran and the US, which resumed this week, during a phone call Thursday.

The two leaders called for an end to the “dangerous escalation” in the region, according to a statement by Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court.

They also discussed strengthening cooperation and coordination in support of Arab causes and regional security and stability, according to the statement. 

Iran oil minister says industry continues to bypass US blockade

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said in an interview with semi-official ISNA that the country’s oil industry continues to circumvent the blockade imposed by US forces.

“We had restrictions on transferring oil beyond the blockade line. In some cases we managed to get through, and in some cases that was not possible,” Paknejad said.

He said Tehran had adopted measures to get around the blockade and had been able to sell and deliver oil to customers “perhaps thousands of kilometers” from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

“After the 12-day war, we were able to increase oil production by about 70,000 barrels per day,” Paknejad added. 

Vance says Iran's control of Strait of Hormuz 'effectively gone'

Iran is losing its capabilities by the day and its control over the Strait of Hormuz is now "a diminishing asset," US Vice President JD Vance said at a press briefing in Washington on Thursday, September 3. Vance said economic, military, diplomatic and covert pressure were all tools available to the US president, but declined to say what Washington planned to do next.

 

Yemeni forces clash with Iran-backed Houthis: media

Yemeni government forces retook military positions on the Al-Tuwair front in Maqbanah, Taiz, as clashes with the Iran-backed Houthis intensified in western Yemen, Al Arabiya reported Thursday, citing military and field sources.

Heavy fighting was reported south of Hodeidah, while clashes also resumed on the Al-Barh and Hodeidah fronts, according to the reports. 

King Charles says Iran conflict is 'going backwards'

King Charles discussed the US-Iran conflict with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting at Clarence House on Wednesday and said, “It’s all going backwards,” the Daily Mail reported Thursday.

Naqvi replied that it was “a story of one step forward and one step back.” Charles then said the talks would be challenging and added, “We’re going to have to rely on you a great deal,” according to the report.
 

South Korea prepares Hormuz military deployment: report

South Korea is preparing to deploy military assets to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and aims to send them before the end of the year, Reuters reported Thursday, citing government and military sources.

The government is considering options including a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel or a mine detection and clearance unit, and has discussed a potential contribution with the United States, Britain and France, according to the report.

South Korea’s presidential Blue House said Seoul had been discussing practical ways to support freedom of navigation in the strait but said reports that a deployment had already been decided were “different from the facts.”

 

Vance says US never targets civilians, CENTCOM probing reported Iran wedding strike

US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday, when asked if he had been briefed on Iranian state media reports that a US strike hit a wedding in Iran, that he was “extremely skeptical” of the claim and that CENTCOM was investigating.

“What I can say with 100% confidence is that, unlike the IRGC, the United States never targets civilians in combat,” Vance told reporters at the White House.

“Obviously, sometimes things happen,” he added. “When our military makes mistakes, they learn from them to try to get better.”
 

Israel takes control of Hezbollah's tunnel in Lebanon despite Iranian warning

Israel said Thursday it had gained operational control of the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, hours after Reuters reported that Iran had warned Washington a full-scale Israeli offensive there would trigger a large-scale Iranian response.

The Israeli military said its forces established operational control over the area through offensive actions including ambushes, mortar fire, grenades and drone attacks.

It said Hezbollah’s Badr Unit had built two tunnel facilities at Ali al-Taher with funding and planning from Iran, and had used the infrastructure to direct fire, fight Israeli forces and plan attacks against Israel over recent decades.

The military said the tunnels had been used continuously during recent fighting and that Israeli troops advanced into the Ali al-Taher mountain range after weakening Hezbollah over the course of the war.

An Israeli military official said forces had targeted tunnel entrances in the heights but found no Iranian advisers or officers inside the tunnels.

Reuters reported earlier Thursday that Tehran had warned the United States against a full-fledged Israeli offensive on Ali al-Taher, a strategically positioned ridge that has become one of the most contested areas of the Israel-Hezbollah war.

 

UAE president, Trump discuss Middle East tensions

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump held a phone call to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in the Middle East.

The leaders discussed strengthening UAE-US relations and reviewed efforts to address the region’s rapidly changing security situation.

Their conversation came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent US strikes and reported Iranian missile and drone attacks on American facilities.

The situation has also heightened concerns over security in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, with potential implications for global energy supplies and oil prices.

Iran has claimed it targeted US military assets at Kuwait’s Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base.

Six navy personnel killed in US attacks: Iranian media

At least six members of the Iranian army's naval forces were killed by US attacks during renewed fighting this week, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.

The six died during a wave of US attacks on Tuesday, the report said, without specifying where they were killed.

"During the criminal attacks carried out by the US terrorist army two nights ago on September 1 in the south of the country, six members of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy were martyred," it said.

Three Iranian Army pilots killed in US strikes earlier this week: report

Three Iranian Army pilots were killed in US strikes conducted on Tuesday night, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday.

Oil prices rise on escalation in Middle East

Oil prices have risen after US strikes on Iran and renewed Israeli threats against Tehran revive concerns about disruptions to Middle East supplies, Reuters reports.

Brent crude futures were up 59 cents, or 0.62 per cent, at $96.22 a barrel by 1327 GMT (6:27pm PKT), while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 78 cents, or 0.86pc, to $91.79. 

Israel says releasing 5 detained Lebanese civilians: PM office

Israel has said it has decided to release five Lebanese civilians whom it had seized from southern Lebanon, where it has occupied areas near the border, AFP reports.

“After their interrogation was completed, it became clear that they are civilians who are not members of any terrorist organisation, have not engaged in terrorism, and there is no reason to continue holding them in Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. 

Trump confirms 18 killed in US strikes on Iran

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that 18 people were killed in the latest US strikes on Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump clarified remarks by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who had earlier said that nobody had been killed.

Trump said Lutnick “had Venezuela on his mind” when he made the comment, indicating that the secretary was referring to casualties in Venezuela rather than Iran.

The latest US strikes on Iran have reportedly killed 18 people and wounded more than 100 others, with civilians among the casualties. 

IRGC chief vows to avenge victims killed in US strike on wedding

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Ahmad Vahidi has vowed to avenge the four people killed at a wedding ceremony in southern Iran, which has been blamed on the US, AFP reports.

“The pure blood of these oppressed martyrs … will not go unanswered and will definitely be avenged,” Vahidi says in a statement carried by state television. 

Iranian media says 6 navy personnel killed in US attacks on Tuesday

Six Iranian naval personnel were killed by US attacks on Tuesday as part of this week’s renewed fighting, AFP reports citing Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

“During the criminal attacks carried out by the US terrorist army two nights ago on September 1, on the south of the country, six members of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy were martyred,” the report says without specifying where exactly they were killed. 

Israel says economic pressure could push Iran into 'desperate steps'

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says that US economic sanctions against Iran have proven to be effective, but the pressure might lead Tehran into adopting extreme measures, AFP reports.

“We see signs indicating that the heavy economic pressure they are under, and the fear of an uprising and the collapse of the regime, may push them to desperate steps,” Katz has said at a ceremony for defence ministry employees.

“The Ayatollahs’ regime in Iran knows very well why it does not attack Israel after we struck them powerfully twice, destroyed their nuclear programme, eliminated [Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei, and severely damaged their strategic capabilities,” he adds, referring to previous rounds of confrontation last year and earlier this year. 

Stocks rise, yields ease as oil slips on Trump hint at short bombing campaign

Most Asian stocks enjoyed a healthy recovery Thursday following a drab start to the week as bond yields and oil prices dropped after Donald Trump suggested the latest US attacks against Iran would likely be short-lived.

Trading floors have been jolted since US strikes on Islamic republic targets in the Strait of Hormuz sparked tit-for-tat exchanges between the two and sent crude rallying as much as 10%.

Sentiment was given a much-needed boost Wednesday after the US president said the latest round of strikes could be over soon.

The two main contracts Brent and West Texas Intermediate pared their gains Wednesday and on Thursday they edged lower, though news of fresh US attacks tempered the selling.

Yields on 10-year US Treasuries and Japanese government bonds of the same length both dipped.

The latest developments helped all three main US indexes higher, and Asia followed suit.

Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Taipei and Jakarta were all up. 

Iran's army says attacked US bases in Kuwait, UAE

Iran’s army said it targeted US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, despite threats of further strikes by US President Donald Trump, AFP reports.

“The army hit the satellite communication systems, equipment depots and fighter aircraft hangars of the terrorist US army at the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait with missiles and drones,” the army said in a statement carried by state TV.

It added that “the location of forces and radar systems of the child-killing US army at the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE were also attacked by missiles and drones of the army”. 

Iran warns US against Israeli attack on south Lebanon ridge held by Hezbollah, sources say

Iran has warned the United States that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli offensive on a mountainous ridge in southern ?Lebanon where Iranian military personnel are holed up alongside Hezbollah fighters, three officials briefed on the message told Reuters.

In its message to Washington, Tehran threatened that any full-fledged Israeli offensive on the ridge ?would be met with a large-scale Iranian attack, said the three officials in the region, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. 

Kuwait says Iran strikes 'direct threat' to its security, stability

Kuwait’s foreign ministry lambasted Tehran after the latest overnight attack targeting the tiny Gulf state, as hostilities between Iran and the United States reignited over the past days, AFP reports.

In a statement, the foreign ministry called the strikes “a direct threat to its (Kuwait’s) security and stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory, and a grave breach of the rules of international law”.

 

IMF chief says Hormuz closure worsening debt problems for developing nations

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva warns that shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is pushing up borrowing costs worldwide and threatening developing countries’ progress on debt, Al Jazeera reports.

Georgieva says inflation pressure from the still-closed strait are among the factors driving bond yields higher, along with rising overall debt levels.

“This is not just a low-income developing countries problem,” she tells Reuters on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in North Carolina.

“High debt levels in advanced economies, combined with stubborn inflation, could lead to debt service costs going up for everybody including for the low-income, for the emerging markets, and developing economies.” 

UAE leader, Trump discuss latest development in Middle East

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his US counterpart Donald Trump discuss the latest development in the Middle East in a phone call, Al Jazeera reports, citing UAE’s state news agency.

It did not elaborate on the ongoing fighting between the US and Iran.

Talks included “ways to further strengthen ties” in support of their “mutual interests”, it said. 

18 killed, 142 wounded in US attacks on Iran, says health ministry

Iran’s Health Ministry says at least 18 people were killed and 142 wounded in US attacks between Aug 30 and Sept 2, IRNA reports.

44 of those injured were children, and among the dead were one child and two women. 

Trump weighs ending Iran war as Pentagon extends deployments: report

US President Donald Trump is privately considering declaring the war with Iran over, even as the Pentagon quietly extends troop deployments in the Middle East, according to a Wall Street Journal reports.

The newspaper reported that Trump has discussed with senior aides “whether to declare the Iran war over,” a move the president reportedly “favors.” He believes that maintaining intense economic pressure will eventually force Tehran to “either dismantle its nuclear program or collapse.”

The US launched Operation Economic Outcast last week, targeting Iran’s key economic lifelines, including its oil, shipping, aviation, gold, technology and digital asset sectors. 

Israel launches fresh attacks in southern Lebanon despite framework agreement

The Israeli occupation forces have carried out further attacks in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese field sources, amid continued tensions despite a US-backed framework agreement between Beirut and Israel, IRNA reports.

The sources said Israeli forces carried out explosions in the areas of Kfar Tebnit, Houla, al-Mansouri and Haris.

An Israeli drone also carried out a strike on the Al Deir neighborhood in Nabatieh Al Fawqa, the sources said. 

'Horrific, appalling': Iran urges UN Security Council to condemn deadly US attack on wedding ceremony

Iran has called on the UN Security Council to condemn an unprovoked and deadly US attack on a residential home hosting a wedding ceremony in southern Islamic Republic that led to the martyrdom of five civilians, including a four-year-old child, and injured more than 70 others.

Gholamhossein Darzi, the Islamic Republic’s ambassador and chargé d’affaires to the United Nations, made the appeal in a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council on Wednesday following a new wave of such American strikes targeting southern Iranian cities, which together claimed the lives of at least 18 people and wounded 108 others. 

Gulf shipping traffic via Hormuz below 10-day average, shows data

Six commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, down from 11 a day earlier and well below the 10-day average of around 13, preliminary shipping data showed on Thursday.

The vessels included two very large gas carriers, two long-range tankers, one Supramax tanker, and one Panamax tanker, Kpler data showed.

The number of vessels transiting the waterway could change as some ships typically switch off transponders during the voyage. 

Energy Asia gas jumps to highest since 2022 after Middle East flare-up

Liquefied natural gas prices in Asia rose to the highest in more than three years after hostilities between the US and Iran escalated, raising concerns over prolonged disruptions to flows through the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reports.

Spot LNG climbed to $25.908 per million British thermal units late Wednesday, the highest since December 2022, according to traders. Prices have more than doubled from pre-war levels, with elevated costs weighing on the demand and budgets of some countries in Asia. 

Gulf shipping traffic via Hormuz below 10-day average, data shows

Six commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, down from 11 a day earlier and well below the 10-day average of around 13, preliminary shipping data showed, Reuters reports.

The vessels included two very large gas carriers, two long range tankers, one Supramax tanker and one Panamax tanker, Kpler data showed as of 0405 GMT.

The number of vessels transiting the waterway could change as some ships typically switch off transponders during the voyage. 

Iran claims new naval mines laid in Strait of Hormuz

Iran claimed that it laid additional naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while mockingly dismissing US claims of control over the strategic passage.

“During last night’s operation, more naval mines were laid along the illicit routes south of the Strait of Hormuz,” Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said. 

Iraq boosts oil exports in August as low prices draw buyers

Iraq boosted its oil exports in August, with September shipments also set to climb, as wide profits and Iranian approval for its tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz have encouraged buyers, according to industry sources and shipping data, Reuters reports.

The recovery in exports for OPEC’s second-largest producer, which had been severely curtailed by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran war on February 28, improves the supply of heavy high-sulphur crude to major importers China and India. 

Rubio says Russian support for Iran not impeding US ability to act

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Russian assistance to Iran was not impeding the United States’ ability to act to protect itself, speaking in an interview on Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show.

“Nothing that anyone is providing Iran is in any way impeding our ability to act as necessary to protect the United States,” Rubio said.

He added that Washington and Moscow were “not aligned” over Iran, while noting that Russia remained heavily focused on its war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday that Moscow was providing Iran with equipment and other assistance amid its war with the United States. 

Kuwait says air defenses intercepting Iranian missile, drone attacks

Kuwaiti air defenses are responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks, the country’s military said Wednesday in a post on X.

The General Staff said any explosions heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting what it described as hostile targets, according to the post. 

Australia says Iran's restrictions on Hormuz shipping are unacceptable

Australia wants to see a de-escalation in the Middle East but says Iran’s efforts to limit shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Wednesday in an interview with ABC News Breakfast.

“We do want to see a de-escalation to what's occurred in the Middle East, but we need to see the Strait of Hormuz open and global fuel supply chains return to normal,” Marles said.

He said Iran was “seeking to limit shipping going through the Strait of Hormuz,” adding: “And that's unacceptable.”

Marles also said Iran’s actions were “fundamentally in contravention with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea- freedom of navigation.” 

Saudi crude exports hit nine-year low amid Hormuz tensions: Bloomberg

Saudi Arabia’s observed crude oil exports fell in August to their lowest level in at least nine years as attacks on tankers and heightened risks in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea disrupted shipping, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

Exports averaged about 3 million barrels a day last month, according to tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, Vortexa and Kpler, the lowest in records going back to early 2017.

Saudi exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu fell to about 2.25 million barrels a day in August from 3.7 million in July, while shipments through the Persian Gulf also declined, according to the report.
The figures are provisional and could be revised as additional tanker movements are identified, Bloomberg reported.

 

Rubio told US embassies to press governments on Iran sanctions drive

Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies worldwide earlier this week to deliver a formal diplomatic demarche on Operation Economic Outcast to the highest levels of their host governments, Axios reported Wednesday, citing US officials.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff met UAE national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan last weekend to discuss next steps on Iran, Axios reported earlier Wednesday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast on Aug. 24, launching a campaign of expanded secondary sanctions aimed at countries and entities that continue doing business with Iran.

Axios also reported that UAE officials had told Washington that any effective pressure campaign would need to include all major countries trading with Iran. 

Houthis target Taiz, Hodeidah with ballistic missiles

Yemeni government forces said Wednesday that Iran-backed Houthi forces fired 10 ballistic missiles at Taiz and Hodeidah in Yemen, Al Arabiya reported.

 

Rubio rules out returning to deal with Tehran

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked about the latest US strikes on Iran and the prospects of returning to the memorandum of understanding reached in June—something mediating nations have been attempting to encourage but the Trump administration has repeatedly rebuffed.

"Well look, that ship, in many ways, has sailed," Rubio said of the scrapped agreement, during a phone interview with Fox News.
 

Iran-backed armed group leader threatens US troops in Iraq

Akram al-Kaabi, secretary-general of Iran-backed Iraqi group Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, threatened US troops stationed in Iraq if they remain in the country after September 30, Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency reported.

“If even one soldier remains in Iraq after that date, we will not allow them to return safely and will send back their body,” al-Kaabi said, according to the report.

Al-Kaabi said the group was “fully prepared” if US forces did not completely leave Iraq’s land and airspace by the deadline.

“Trump, who has been unable to defeat Islamic Iran, now fantasizes about achieving victory in Iraq,” al-Kaabi said, according to ISNA.

He added that Trump’s “colonial dreams” in Iraq would never be realized.

The US designated Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba and al-Kaabi as Specially Designated Global Terrorists in March 2019. 

Trump says prepared to carry out another attack on Iran

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he was prepared to carry out another attack on Iran.

Trump said Iran had been trying to build a rocket designed to drop mines and restore radar and missile systems, all of which he said were targeted in US strikes.

“We took out all of the new equipment that they tried to build along the Strait of Hormuz ... some defensive, some offensive,” Trump said. “It was a very heavy attack last night, and we’re prepared to do another one any time we want.” 

Netanyahu says Israel working to overthrow Iran's regime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would defeat Iran’s government and that all of the country’s systems were working to overthrow it.

“We will defeat the regime. All of Israel’s systems are working to overthrow this regime and defeat it,” Netanyahu said in an interview with i24NEWS’ Hebrew-language channel. 

US envoy to NATO says Iran must stop attacks and make a deal

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Wednesday that Iran must stop its attacks, agree to denuclearize and make a deal with Washington, in an interview with Fox Business.

“We struck Iranian targets completely in retaliation to their activities, their mining attempts to, again, to gum up the Strait of Hormuz, and their missile attacks,” Whitaker said.

He said President Donald Trump “pretty strongly believes” that the US naval blockade and recently announced sanctions “have bankrupted Iran” and that Tehran would not be able to continue on its current course.

“It is time to stop the attacks and make a deal,” Whitaker said. He added that Iran needed to “agree to denuclearize” and “no longer pursue a nuclear weapon.”

Asked whether Iranians would “rise up,” as Trump suggested in a Truth Social post, Whitaker said the country’s economic situation would leave the public unhappy with the government.

“The people of Iran will not be happy with the current state of affairs, and they should blame their government,” Whitaker said, adding that they “should ask certainly for change in a different way forward.” 

UAE condemns Iranian attack on Saudi carrier in Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday condemned an Iranian attack on the Saudi carrier Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz that killed a number of crew members.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the attack posed a grave threat to international navigation and marked a dangerous escalation in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

Abu Dhabi expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed measures to protect its vessels, national interests and freedom of navigation.

The ministry also said the attack violated UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and warned that targeting commercial shipping or using the Strait of Hormuz for economic coercion threatened regional stability, global energy security and international trade. 

Trump says renewed US campaign against Iran won't last long

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the renewed US campaign against Iran would not continue for too long. 

Trump says prepared to carry out another attack on Iran

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he was prepared to carry out another attack on Iran.

Trump said Iran had been trying to build a rocket designed to drop mines and restore radar and missile systems, all of which he said were targeted in US strikes.

“We took out all of the new equipment that they tried to build along the Strait of Hormuz ... some defensive, some offensive,” Trump said. “It was a very heavy attack last night, and we’re prepared to do another one any time we want.” 

Trump suggests renaming Strait of Hormuz 'Trump Strait'

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait,” claiming the strategic waterway was under US control amid the ongoing war with Iran.

“Now that we have it under USA control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT?” Trump said on Truth Social. The White House also shared the proposal on X alongside a map carrying the name “Trump Strait.”

The suggestion follows Trump’s recent proposals to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” and the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America,” changes rejected by Canada and Mexico.

Iran has effectively closed the strategic chokepoint, through which about one-fifth of global oil passes.

Iran slams US Centcom claims denying targeting of civilians

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has criticised US Central Command (Centcom) claims that American forces do not target civilians, following a US strike on a wedding in southern Iran that reportedly killed four people.

In a post on X, Baqaei criticised Centcom spokesperson Tim Hawkins, alleging that he had “forgotten his own military record” and referring to reported US drone strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Baqaei also cited the US-produced television series Homeland, which depicted a US drone strike on a wedding in its fourth season that killed around 40 civilians.

“He has forgotten something else as well,” Baqaei wrote, sharing a clip from the series. 

Iran seizes ship carrying 382,000 litres of smuggled fuel in Gulf

Iranian border guards have seized a vessel carrying 382,000 litres of smuggled fuel in the northern Gulf and arrested its 11-member foreign crew, Reuters reported, citing Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

The nationalities of those detained were not disclosed.

Iran has some of the world’s lowest fuel prices due to heavy government subsidies and the sharp depreciation of its national currency. Authorities have been stepping up efforts to curb widespread fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf states. 

Hezbollah targets Israeli military vehicle with drone in Southern Lebanon

Hezbollah launched FPV drones at an Israeli military vehicle in southern Lebanon, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency, citing Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV.

The report said the Israeli vehicle was heading towards the Ali al-Taher Heights when it was targeted.

One of the drones struck the vehicle directly, putting it out of service, according to the report.

Iran's Ghalibaf says country is fighting against 'arrogance'

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that the country is pursuing a “fundamental path against arrogance,” according to Iranian news agency ISNA.

Speaking during a meeting with Hamas officials, Ghalibaf said that even governments in the region that maintain close ties with the United States now acknowledge that Washington is contributing to insecurity in the region.

“Today, even the governments that love America in the region admit that this country is causing insecurity,” he said.

Ghalibaf described negotiations as a “tool for struggle,” adding that Iran would face defeat if it stopped confronting the United States and Israel in its various forms.

He said Iran’s continued resistance against the two countries was essential to its struggle. 

Iran to employ 'new strategy' after US strikes, says national security chief

Iran’s security chief has warned the United States will face a “new strategy” from Tehran in the Middle East war, after the heaviest exchange of attacks between the two parties in weeks, AFP reports.

“You will soon see that Iran’s new strategy on the battlefield, in diplomacy and in confronting the economic blockade will shatter your foundations,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei writes on X. 

US Centcom denies targeting civilians after Iran reports wedding strike

US Central Command (Centcom) denies targeting civilians after Iranian media reported that at least four people were killed in an American strike on a wedding in Sirik, southern Iran.

“The US military never targets civilians, unlike the Revolutionary Guards,” Centcom tells Reuters. 

Iran Red Crescent urges ICC probe into US strike on wedding ceremony

Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate a US missile strike on a wedding ceremony in Kuhestak, Hormozgan, that reportedly took place last night.

In a letter to the ICC, the IRCS called for legal action, saying the reported presence of civilians at the venue raised serious concerns under international humanitarian law.

The organisation said the incident required an independent, impartial, thorough and effective investigation.

The IRCS further stated that intentionally attacking civilians, when the expected loss of civilian life is clearly excessive compared with the anticipated military advantage, could potentially result in individual criminal responsibility under international law, subject to the conditions of the Rome Statute.

 

Saudi shipping company Bahri says two sailors killed in incident in Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia's national shipping company, Bahri, said that ‌two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security ‌incident involving ‌its vessel "SIDR" while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. 

Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays below 10-day average, data shows

Four commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, down from 10 ?a day earlier and below the 10-day average ‌of around 13, preliminary shipping data showed on Wednesday.

The four vessels that transited were one very large crude carrier, one ?Panamax tanker, one Kamsarmax carrier and one intermediate ?tanker, initial data from shiptracker Kpler showed at ?0200 GMT.

Of the four vessels, one was entering the ?strait and three were leaving.
 

IRGC official tells Arab states to expel US forces or face strikes

IRGC political deputy General Yadollah Javani has asked the Arab states to expel the US forces or face strikes, Al Jazeera reports.

“It is better to expel the Americans from your countries and take back the bases,” Javani says in a statement published by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

He warns that Iran has proven that it will retaliate decisively from any staging point used for launching attacks against Iran.
 

Iran's top negotiator calls US 'Satan' after deadly attack on wedding

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on called the United States "Satan" after an attack on a wedding ceremony in the country's south.

"Minab school: children massacred. Lamerd sports hall: kids slaughtered. Kouhestak wedding: children killed with families. If a power acts like Satan, picks targets like Satan, and kills like Satan, it's Satan. Shields a junior Satan that does the same It's THE Great Satan," said Ghalibaf in a post on X.  

 

Pakistan says it remains engaged with US and Iran on talks to end conflict

Pakistan is engaged with the US and Iran on talks to end ‌their conflict and is ‌positive that the countries "will return to the table for dialogue", foreign ministry spokesperson ‌Tahir Andrabi said at a ‌regular media briefing.

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir's visit to Tehran last month created "considerable momentum" on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, he said. 

Kuwait says it extinguished a fire after an Iranian drone targeted a 'residential complex'

Kuwait on Wednesday said an Iranian drone attack caused a fire in a residential complex in the capital but there were no casualties and it was brought under control.

"A fire that broke out in a residential complex in the Capital Governorate has been brought under control. The complex had been targeted by a hostile drone launched as part of the nefarious Iranian aggression," Kuwait's official KUNA news agency said quoting a fire department spokesman, adding there were no casualties. 

IRGC claims to attack US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq's Erbil.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said that they have attacked US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq’s Erbil.

 

Asian markets tumble as US-Iran fighting lifts oil and bond yields

Asian stocks slumped on Wednesday after renewed U.S. airstrikes on Iran pushed oil prices ‌to a five-week high and drove the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield to its highest level in almost three years, extending a bond market selloff across global markets.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MISX00000PUS) tumbled 2% as South Korea's KOSPI (.KS11) dropped almost 4%, while the Nikkei 225 (.N225) was down 2.9%. ?S&P 500 e-mini futures were down 0.1%. 

Iran says targeted US forces at Bahrain air base: state media

Iran's army said Wednesday it targeted US forces at an air base in Washington-allied Bahrain, as Tehran launched strikes targeting American interests across the Middle East.

"The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, several hours ago, targeted radar installations and assembly points of US terrorist forces at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain through intensive attacks carried out by suicide drones," state media reported. 

Iran says 11 dead in US strikes on its territory: state media

Iran said Wednesday that US strikes on its territory killed 11 people, state media reported, after a fresh attack in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

"The Deputy Governor of Khuzestan Province for Security and Law Enforcement Affairs said that last night's US missile attack on three locations in the province left seven people dead and eight injured," state-run IRNA said.

It came after the Iranian Red Crescent said Tuesday that four people including a child were killed and more than 50 people wounded by a US attack at a wedding in southern Sirik county. 

Oil up nearly 1% as US and Iran trade fresh strikes

Oil prices rose nearly 1% in early trade on Wednesday, extending the previous session's surge, as concerns over supply disruption intensified after the U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes overnight, dimming hopes for a quick easing of tensions in the Middle ‌East.

Brent crude futures rose 87 cents, or 0.92%, to $95.52 a barrel by 0008 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 80 cents, or 0.89%, to $91.02. Both contracts soared more than $4 on Tuesday, marking Brent's largest gain since July 24 and WTI's largest since July 23. 

Trump rejects new Iran talks, touts US position in Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday rejected the idea that he was trying to force Iran back to talks and said Washington now held the stronger position in the Strait of Hormuz and on the economy.

“I’m not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump added that he did not care whether Iran signed an agreement. “I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing.”

Trump said Iran was “just playing out the inevitable” and asked: “When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”
 

UN faces contentious Iran nuclear vote ahead of General Assembly

France said on Tuesday the UN Security Council will vote ?this month on renewing the mandate of a panel monitoring sanctions on Iran, setting up a ‌potential showdown with Russia and China, which oppose the sanctions regime and oversight mechanisms.

The mandate of the panel, which supports the work of the U.N. sanctions committee on Iran, is due to expire on September 26, during the annual meeting of world leaders at ?the U.N. General Assembly. The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is expected to top the agenda.

Outlining plans for ?the presidency of the 15-member Security Council, which France holds for September, French U.N. ?ambassador Jerome Bonnafont told reporters the nuclear issue and Iran's non-compliance with its U.N. obligations would be at ?the heart of discussions on the country this month.

"The Council will finally have to vote on renewing the mandate ?of the ... panel of experts on Iran," he said. "That was a matter reintroduced in September 2025, when we restored sanctions on the country following Iran's non-compliance with its obligation under its nuclear program."

U.N. diplomats said the vote is expected on September 17.

Diplomats say a ?vote raises the prospect of vetoes by both Russia and China, which argue that the Security Council no ?longer has a mandate to consider the Iranian nuclear issue. 

Iran's military headquarters warns countries aiding US forces

A spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, a joint military command body coordinating the country’s armed forces, warned Tuesday that countries cooperating with the US military would face “dangerous consequences.”

“Any country that cooperates with the aggressor US military must accept the dangerous consequences,” spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported.
Zolfaghari said Iranian armed forces had responded to US strikes in southern Iran with missile and drone attacks on American bases across the region, alleging heavy damage to infrastructure, facilities, weapons and equipment, as well as significant US casualties.

 

CENTCOM says US completes new strikes on IRGC targets in Iran

US Central Command said Tuesday that its forces had completed a new wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, including air defenses, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said the strikes targeted Revolutionary Guards sites and followed what it described as recent attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and on US service members.

The command said more than 50,000 US troops were currently operating across the Middle East and remained prepared for further operations ordered by President Donald Trump
 

Kuwait says air defences responding to hostile drone attacks

Kuwait’s air defenses were responding to hostile drone attacks following an Iranian attack, the Kuwaiti army said in a post on X.

The General Staff said any explosions heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets. 

Jordan says air defenses intercepted 10 of 13 ballistic missiles

Jordanian air defenses intercepted 10 of 13 ballistic missiles that entered the kingdom’s airspace, the military said Tuesday.

Three ballistic missiles fell in remote areas away from population centers, Jordanian authorities said, Reuters reported. 

CENTCOM chief briefs lawmakers as US-Iran fighting intensifies

US Central Command chief Adm Brad Cooper briefed members of the House Armed Services Committee on the Iran war Tuesday morning as fighting between Washington and Tehran intensified, the Wall Street Journal reported.

“They’ve got a plan,” committee chairman Mike Rogers said after the briefing, adding that he would “anticipate” an intensification.

The briefing came the same day the United States carried out new strikes on Iranian targets, with President Donald Trump saying the operation followed Iranian attempts to lay sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on US personnel.
 

Reports of casualties at wedding near US strike target in southern Iran

A telecommunications tower near Sirik in southern Iran was targeted in a US strike on Tuesday night, with unverified reports saying people attending a nearby wedding were killed and wounded.

Vahid Online said messages it received indicated that the telecommunications tower in the Kuhestak area had been the intended target and that casualties occurred among people at a nearby wedding.

Iran's state TV said at least four people were killed and 35 seriously injured, but Iran International could not independently verify the toll or the circumstances in which the casualties occurred.

 

Iran launches one of largest missile barrages of recent clashes: report

The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency said Tuesday that Iran had carried out one of its largest missile barrages of the recent fighting against US bases and positions.

Tasnim reported that the strikes followed earlier Iranian warnings that any US attack would draw a response several times greater.

The agency said the key targets hit in the barrage would be announced officially later.
 

Iran Army spokesman vows 'swift, crushing and widespread' retaliation

Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Tuesday that Iran would soon retaliate against what he called enemy aggression, warning of a “swift, crushing and widespread” response.

“We will undoubtedly take revenge for the aggression and hostility very soon,” Akraminia wrote in a post on X.

He added that the response would be “swift, crushing and widespread.”
 

Iran says retaliation has begun, US attacks 'tighten lock' on Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday that US attacks on Iran would “tighten the lock” on the Strait of Hormuz and said its forces had begun retaliating, according to a statement carried by IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency.

“Hours ago, in indiscriminate attacks born of desperation, the invading US military bombed several locations along Iran’s southern coast, including several civilian sites,” the IRGC said.

“These attacks have tightened the lock on the Strait of Hormuz and strengthened the resolve of the fighters to suppress the intervening foreign forces in the Strait of Hormuz,” it added.
 

US strikes Iran as explosions rock Bandar Abbas and nearby areas

US forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran on Tuesday, following recent attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and American service members deployed to the region.

The strikes were confirmed by the United States at 12pm ET, while explosions were later reported in several locations in southern Iran.

Iranian state media reported late Tuesday that blasts were heard in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm island. The reports did not immediately provide details on the cause or extent of damage.

The developments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key focus because of its importance to international commercial shipping.

Iran warns of military response if US intensifies 'siege': Ghalibaf

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that Tehran would respond militarily if the United States escalates its “siege” against Iran, Reuters reported, citing a video statement carried by Iranian media.

Ghalibaf also issued a warning over oil exports from the Persian Gulf, saying that if the US seeks to prevent Iran from exporting oil, no country would be able to export oil from the region.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. 

Iran parliament speaker urges citizens to cut petrol use

Iran’s parliament speaker has called on citizens to curb their petrol consumption, as the country faces difficulty importing enough fuel to meet demand due to a US naval blockade, AFP reports.

“Of course, part of the responsibility for this high consumption does not lie with our people; it lies with our industry,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says in a televised address. “But in any case, what is clear is that we need to save gasoline in our consumption.” 

US Treasury chief says likely to announce Iran bank sanctions this week

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the United States is likely to announce sanctions on a bank this week as part of its economic campaign against Iran, Reuters reports.

“We are probably going to announce a bank sanction this week, and we will announce one the week after. We are speaking to our allies here, who have all come forward, and we have had a great show of support,” Bessent states. 

UN chief praises Pakistan's 'constructive' role in diplomacy during meeting with DPM Dar

In a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “constructive and principled role” in diplomacy to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to the Foreign Office. 

Iran's Pezeshkian thanks Russia for position on war, says Tehran and Moscow resist US 'unilateralism'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow’s position on the Iran war and the resulting US sanctions, adding that together, Moscow and Tehran can resist what he calls the US’ “unilateralism”, Reuters reports.

The two leaders have met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

 

Qatar urges US, Iran to resume talks after flare-up

Qatar has urged the United States and Iran to return to negotiations after they renewed tit-for-tat attacks, AFP reports.

“We have said from day one that leaving the issue unresolved and trying to normalise the closure of the Strait would lead to escalation,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari tells a regular press briefing.

“This is precisely what we have witnessed over the past two days,” he said. “We urge the parties to exercise wisdom and return to the negotiating path, and we continue to intensify our efforts with our mediation partners to ensure a return to that path.” 

Israeli forces kills four people, including three children, in Gaza, medics say

Israel's military killed at least four people, including three children, with gunfire and air strikes in the Gaza Strip, health officials said.

Witnesses said Israeli warplanes fired at least 12 missiles near the Katiba area in the west of Gaza City, an area crowded with displaced families.

At least ‌three people – two children and a woman – were killed and several others wounded in the unusually heavy bombardment, medics said. Two vehicles were hit and ‌reduced to twisted wreckage.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it struck several targets in the Gaza Strip in order to remove threats to Israeli security forces.

In a separate incident, medics said Israeli forces operating east of Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza shot dead a girl, Israa Al-Hissi, and wounded two other people. 

EU's Kallas says diplomatic efforts over Strait of Hormuz yield no breakthrough

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says diplomatic efforts to address the situation around the Strait of Hormuz are continuing but have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, Kallas stressed that freedom of navigation must be respected.

“Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, but no results at the moment,” she said.

Kallas also said it was important that previously open shipping routes remain free of tolls and fees.

EU defence ministers are also expected to discuss a possible European mission to support Lebanon’s armed forces.

 

USS Abraham Lincoln crew to make first port call in 280 days

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier at the centre of controversy over conditions aboard the vessel, is due to arrive in Thailand today, marking the first port call for its nearly 5,000 crew members since November, Al Jazeera reports.

Thailand’s resort city of Pattaya, a long-standing rest-and-recreation destination for US military personnel, has increased security ahead of the sailors’ arrival.

The nuclear-powered carrier departed California in November 2025 for a deployment in the South China Sea but was later redirected to the Middle East ahead of US-Israeli attacks on Iran six months ago.

Reports of worsening living conditions and mental health problems among the crew, including attempted suicides, have drawn significant attention in the United States and fueled criticism of the war on Iran.

 

Oil extends gains as Trump's Iran warning weighs on global stocks

Oil prices extended their gains on Tuesday, while global stock markets remained mixed as fears of renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran weighed on investor sentiment.

Both major crude benchmarks rose further after gaining more than 2% in the previous session, following a weekend flare-up and US President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington would hit Iran “hard”.

Asian markets were mostly lower, with Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore and Wellington falling. Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta, however, posted gains.

European markets were also mixed. London slipped after reopening from a long weekend, while Frankfurt declined and Paris edged higher.

Investors are now awaiting key economic data due later this month, including jobs and inflation figures, ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on September 16.

 

PM Shehbaz calls for implementation of Islamabad MoU for lasting regional peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) terming it the “most viable and enduring pathway to lasting peace in the region”.

Addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, he said, “We remain committed to resolving disputes peacefully through international law, adhering strictly to the guidelines of the UN and SCO charter”.

“It is in this spirit that Pakistan stanchly advocated peace when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an SCO member state was violated this year, triggering a major regional crisis,” he added.
 

Iran says it has enough foreign currency despite US sanctions

Iran has sufficient foreign currency reserves despite U.S. sanctions, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said on Tuesday, after ?U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tehran was lashing ‌out because it was losing the economic war.

The central bank was ready to inject up to $2 billion into the foreign exchange market to calm ?recent volatility, Hemmati said, according to the semi-official Tasnim ?news agency.

“I am telling the President of the United ?States: Iran has (foreign) currency and it has enough,” he ?added. 

Pezesshkia says Tehran will reciprocate if US honours interim deal commitments

Iran will immediately reciprocate if the US honours its commitments under an interim deal signed in June, President Masoud Pezeshkian said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Reuters reports, citing Iran’s ISNA news agency. 

Iran urges Europe to choose between strategic autonomy and Washington's orders

In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei wrote, “Europe can no longer speak of “strategic autonomy” while merely executing Washington’s orders.” 

Dar meets Iranian FM on sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. 

 

Iran war could keep inflation high, ECB policymaker Rehn warns, FT reports

The European Central Bank must prepare for an extended “conflict of ‌attrition” in the Middle East that could keep inflation elevated in the Eurozone, ECB policymaker Olli Rehn told the Financial Times in an interview published on Tuesday.

“We must show no complacency in the face of these inflationary pressures,” Rehn told ‌the newspaper, referring to energy prices that have been pushed up by the war between the U.S. and Israel on one side and Iran and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. 

Strait of Hormuz commodity vessel transits stay in single digits, data shows

The number of vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz was little changed on Monday ‌compared with the weekend, hovering around five, preliminary ship-tracking data showed on Tuesday, below the 10-day average of around ?14, Reuters reported. 

Four of the vessels entered the strait and one exited, data from Kpler showed.

Vessels that sail through the strait with their transponders turned off are not included in the count.

No liquid tankers were among those sailing through the waterway on Monday, the data showed.

Of those that entered, one was an empty handy-sized gas tanker which reached the strait via the Iranian route. The other three were laden dry bulk ‌carriers. 

Any aggression against Iran will not be tolerated on any grounds, says Iranian military

In a statement, the General Staff of the Iranian military has vowed that aggression against Iran will not be tolerated on any grounds, news agency ISNA reports. 

“As it has shown in the field so far, the Islamic Republic of Iran, while respecting the national sovereignty of its neighbours, will never tolerate any aggression and will give a much heavier response, as we proved last night by the brave warriors of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Republic Army,” it adds.
 

US Army Secretary Driscoll submits resignation: White House

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed Monday, following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, AFP reported.

Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that Driscoll had resigned, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not deny it.

"Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump's agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army," Kelly said.

She cited his "outstanding leadership" during US military operations, "restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more."

She added: "The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War."

If accepted, Driscoll's resignation would mark the latest departure of a senior military leader under President Donald Trump's administration. 

Oil prices rise as latest fighting resurrects Middle East supply disruption risks

Oil prices gained on Tuesday as the ?resumption of fighting between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East renewed fears of ‌supply disruptions from the world's key crude-producing region.

Brent crude futures were up 56 cents, or 0.6%, to $91.05 a barrel at 0044 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 83 cents, or 1%, to $86.59. 

US approves military sale of helicopters to Iraq for $800 million

The U.S. State Department ‌said on Monday it had approved a military sale of helicopters to Iraq for $800 million, Reuters reported. 

The principal contractor will be ‌Bell-Textron, located in Fort Worth, Texas, the department said in a statement. 

Iran says 1,000 Israeli, hundreds of US soldiers killed in recent war

Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi has claimed that around 1,000 Israeli soldiers were killed and thousands more wounded during the recent war, while hundreds of American military personnel also died.

In an interview, Shekarchi alleged that the United States and Israel were concealing the true number of military casualties from the public. He compared the situation to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, claiming that the United States disclosed some military deaths only at a later stage.

The Iranian military spokesman further alleged that the remains of some American service members were later returned to their families. He accused the US military of relying heavily on propaganda and described Washington's military presence in Muslim countries as an effort to exploit their resources.

Shekarchi also claimed that the recent conflict had demonstrated the limitations of both the US military and Israel's military capabilities.

He said countries hosting American military bases had also recognized that those bases could not necessarily guarantee their security. “If America cannot protect itself, how will it protect them?” he said, according to the account of his remarks.

The Iranian official also vowed that Iran would retaliate over the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and students at the Minab School, saying revenge would be carried out.

The casualty figures cited by Shekarchi could not be independently verified from the information provided. His comments come amid continuing tensions in the region and competing claims from Iran, Israel and the United States over the scale and impact of the recent conflict.

Iran tells UN Larak strike violated sovereignty, defends attacks on US bases

Iran told the United Nations in a letter that the US strike on Larak Island violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while defending subsequent Iranian attacks on US military bases in Jordan as acts of self-defense.

In the letter sent Monday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council president, Iran’s UN chargé d’affaires Gholamhossein Darzi said the Aug. 30 strike killed and wounded Iranian military personnel and civilians and damaged public and private property, state-run IRNA reported.

Darzi said Iran’s armed forces subsequently carried out what he called “defensive and proportionate” attacks on US bases in Jordan that Tehran said had been used in operations against Iran.
 

Trump rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran

US President Donald Trump has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, saying there would be no reason to deploy them in the ongoing conflict.

Speaking during an event at the Oval Office, Trump was asked by a journalist whether he could guarantee that the United States would not use nuclear weapons against Iran. Trump criticized the question but ultimately said he rejected the possibility.

“I would never say that, but the answer is yes,” Trump said, adding that there was “no reason” to use nuclear weapons.

The US president called the question “stupid” and argued that Iran had already been defeated, questioning why the United States would resort to nuclear weapons after achieving military success.

Trump also accused Iran of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, claiming that more than 100,000 people opposed to the Iranian government had been killed. The allegations come amid heightened tensions and continued military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, Trump had threatened a strong US response following attacks on a military base in Jordan that Washington attributed to Iran. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the United States would respond forcefully to Iranian attacks in Jordan.

The comments come as concerns over further escalation in the region remain high, with the possibility of direct confrontation between the United States and Iran continuing to draw international attention. 

Kremlin says mediation in Iran war remains difficult

It is still difficult to determine what form of mediation could apply to the Iran war, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday ahead of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“It is hard to say right now what kind of mediation would be applicable in the situation surrounding Iran,” Peskov told Vesti.

He said Putin and Pezeshkian would discuss the situation in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, with the Iranian president expected to brief Putin on developments, according to TASS.

The two leaders will also discuss bilateral relations, Peskov said.

“We remain committed to the goals and objectives of developing our partnership in a wide range of areas with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.
 

Araghchi says US launched attacks from UAE territory

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with MS NOW’s Velshi that US forces used locations in the United Arab Emirates to launch rocket attacks on Iran’s Kharg and Abu Musa islands.

“The reaction would be clear,” Araghchi said. “Last night they attacked Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island” using HIMARS rockets.

He said Iranian forces tracked the launches and determined they came from two locations in the UAE, including Ras Al-Khaimah and an area near Dubai.

“It is now clear that they were fired from the UAE,” Araghchi said, calling the use of neighboring territory to attack Iran “absolutely unacceptable.”

He also said it was “very dangerous” to launch rockets from areas close to heavily populated locations. 

Iran hit six US military sites in Jordan

Iran struck six “important and strategic” US military sites in Jordan in its latest missile attack, the IRGC-linked Vatan-e Emrooz newspaper reported, citing informed sources.

The newspaper carried the report on the front page of its Tuesday edition in Tehran, saying the strikes were carried out in response to the US attack on Iran’s Larak Island on Sunday night.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards earlier said it had launched missile and drone attacks on two US air bases in Jordan. Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace.

The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the Iranian attacks on Jordan on Monday and said GCC states stood in full solidarity with Amman in protecting its security and territorial integrity.
 

IRGC outlet says Saudi tanker halted in Hormuz

The IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency reported Monday that a Saudi oil tanker named Cedar had stopped while transiting the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.

The report came after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said it had received a report involving a tanker and military forces. Fars did not establish that the UKMTO report involved the same vessel.

Fars reported that the tanker, which can carry up to two million barrels of oil, suddenly switched on its automatic identification system (AIS) while passing through the strait.
 

US plan possible strikes to reduce risk of Iranian attacks on oil tankers

A US plan for possible limited strikes on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is aimed at reducing the risk of Iranian attacks on oil tankers and US forces, Axios reported Monday, citing a US official.

The official described the approach as an effort to “mow the lawn,” according to the report.

Axios earlier reported that the proposed strikes would seek to prevent Iran from rebuilding radar, air-defense and anti-ship missile capabilities around the strait.
 

Yemeni forces destroy Iran-backed Houthi launcher near Hodeidah

Yemeni government forces destroyed a Katyusha rocket launcher belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis in Hodeidah in western Yemen, Al Arabiya reported Monday, citing Yemeni military sources.

In a post on X, Al Arabiya also reported that the Houthis fired two ballistic missiles toward Mokha in western Yemen.
 

Trump says Iranian officials 'don't know who their leader is'

US President Donald Trump said Iranian officials themselves did not know who was in charge of the country, adding that Tehran’s military leadership had been severely weakened.

Asked who was currently in charge in Iran, Trump said: “They don’t really know. They don’t really know. In my opinion, they don’t know who the leader is.”

“You have the radicals, but they’ve been wiped out from the standpoint of the military because the military is just a fraction of what it was,” he added. “I don’t really think they know who their leader is.”

Trump also described Iran as a “failed nation” and said its navy, air force and much of its surveillance capability were gone.

“That doesn’t mean we won’t smack them. We’ll see what happens,” he said.
 

Trump was sending message to Iran with Kharg Island post, says VP Vance

US President Donald Trump was sending a message to Iran with his social media post about Kharg Island, Vice President JD Vance said on Monday.

"The president likes to switch it up on social media a little bit. He would be the first to say he doesn't make announcements about military actions on social media, but I think that he's sending a message to the Iranians," Vance said when asked about Trump's post.

Israeli explosions cause part of Al-Qantara mountain to collapse in southern Lebanon

A series of powerful Israeli explosions caused part of the Al-Qantara mountain in southern Lebanon to collapse on Monday, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The collapse occurred after several powerful and consecutive blasts shook the area in the Marjayoun district, according to the NNA.

Israeli drones also flew at low altitude over several towns in the Tyre district and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The reported blasts came amid intensified Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have continued operations despite a US-backed framework agreement with Beirut calling for a phased withdrawal. 

Trump calls for Iran to face trial over alleged 'war crimes against humanity'

US President Donald Trump has called Iran a “failed nation” and urged that its leadership be tried for what he described as “war crimes against humanity.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran has no navy, air force or functioning currency and is unable to pay its troops.

He also alleged that inflation in Iran has reached 300 per cent and said the country’s leadership was in “total disarray” and incapable of properly representing the Iranian people.

Trump further accused the Iranian government of relying on what he called “fake news” from the United States and alleged that more than 100,000 protesters had been killed by the Tehran administration.

He did not provide evidence to support the figure. 

Senior Iranian commander says IRGC-government ties stronger than ever

Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Naghdi has said relations between the government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are “stronger than ever,” state media reported.

Speaking to Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, Naghdi warned the United States against launching another war against Iran, saying Washington should pursue a rational approach that serves its own interests.

He also accused US President Donald Trump of using wars to profit from financial markets and alleged that his associates benefit from the oil sector, according to state broadcaster Press TV. 

US Treasury chief says goal of sanctions is to get Iran to 'come to the table'

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells CNBC that the goal of US sanctions on Iran is “to create the conditions that they will want to come to the table” for negotiations, Reuters reports.

 

Crude prices rise above $90 per barrel on US-Iran strikes

Oil prices jumped more than two per cent, with the Brent international benchmark rising above $90 a barrel after a fresh flare-up in the US-Iran war, AFP reports.

At around 1330 GMT (6:30pm PKT), Brent North Sea Crude was up by 2.5pc at $90.26 per barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate was up by 2.5pc at $85.51 per barrel.

 

US' Bessent says Iran is lashing out amid economic pressure of sanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claims that Iran is taking the American sanctions on it seriously and is lashing out now because it is losing economically, Reuters reports.

“I would think that they are lashing out kinetically because they are losing economically,” he tells reporters at a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in North Carolina.

 

Senior Iranian source says latest hostilities with US are a 'limited' confrontation

Overnight hostilities between the United States and Iran remain a “limited and contained confrontation”, a senior Iranian source tells Reuters, adding that Tehran is ready to deliver a harsh response if attacked again.

The source, who has direct knowledge of Iranian decision-making and has declined to be named, says that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz “will become worse for vessels that violate” rules set by Tehran for passage through the waterway, adding that no target in the region is beyond Iran’s reach. 

PM Shehbaz, Iranian President Pezeshkian hold meeting in Bishkek

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian held a meeting in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

President Pezeshkian personally came out to welcome Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival for the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Bishkek to participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit.

Lebanese president calls for full, impartial implementation of Israel framework deal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for the full and impartial implementation of a US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, urging both sides to honour the deal without selectivity.

Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with his Greek counterpart, Konstantinos Tasoulas, in Athens, where he is on an official visit, according to the Lebanese presidency. 

Iran dismisses Trump's post of attack on key energy hub of Kharg

An Iranian official dismissed ?as "laughable" on Monday a post by Donald Trump of an AI-generated video clip that the U.S. president said showed Iran's oil hub Kharg Island being "blown to smithereens".

Hours after Sunday's post, there was no ‌evidence Kharg had been attacked. The White House and the U.S. Defense Department did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment outside regular business hours.

Trump's post came shortly after the U.S. and Iran resumed hostilities for the first time since late July, further denting hopes for any early resolution of a conflict now in its sixth month and driving oil prices nearly 2% higher on Monday.

U.S. forces on Sunday struck two Iranian launchers on Iran's Larak Island, some 660 km (410 miles) east of Kharg, a U.S. official said, prompting Iran to retaliate by attacking ?two U.S. bases in Jordan, according to Iranian media.

"Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!! President DJT," Trump had said on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, with no further details.

Reuters confirmed that an accompanying video clip ?showing dramatic explosions was most likely synthetically generated, using software that detects AI-manipulated imagery.

"Trump’s tweets are laughable and conditions in Kharg are calm and appropriate," Hamid Bovard, chief executive ?of government-run National Iranian Oil Co, said on Monday.

Oil operations have not stopped and workers were busy repairing previous damage and modernising facilities, he added in comments cited by Nournews, a semi-official outlet close to Iran's top security body. 

EU says it will maintain pressure on Iran

The European Union said on Monday that it would continue to work with the United States and other G7 and international partners to keep up pressure on Iran.

The bloc issued a statement to coincide with this week's G20 meeting in the United States.

"The EU welcomes efforts at ensuring that Iran ceases its destabilizing activities and engages in peace negotiations with good faith, also through additional economic pressure, including through the U.S.-led Operation Economic Outcast," it said. 

Iran FM accuses 'serpent' Netanyahu of tricking US into war

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “serpent”, accusing him of tricking Washington into going to war with the Islamic republic, AFP reports.

“In Hebrew, Netanyahu openly crows that he suckered the U.S. Administration into a war on Iran on behalf of Israel. Netanyahu explicitly laughs about how he ‘influenced’ America through 1,000 hours of airtime on U.S. networks,” Araghchi said in a post on X. 

UAE denies claims Iran targeted base housing US forces with missiles

The United Arab Emirates has denied claims that Tehran targeted a base housing US personnel with missiles, after announcing it had intercepted an Iranian drone over its waters, AFP reports.

“Media reports regarding a missile attack on Al Minhad Air Base are baseless,” the Emirati defence ministry said in a statement on X.

Earlier today, Iran had said it targeted the base using “dozens of attack drones”. 

Israel signs €3bn arms export deal with Greece

Israel’s defence ministry has announced it had signed a deal with Athens worth approximately three billion euros to set up an “Achilles Shield” aerial defence system for Greece, AFP reports.

“Under the deal, Israel will build Greece a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence array, drawing entirely on Israeli-made systems and on the extensive operational experience Israel’s defence establishment has gained during the war,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that “this is the largest defence export deal in the history of Israel-Greece relations, and one of the largest in the history of the State of Israel”.

 

UAE presidential adviser says Iran's policy of targeting Gulf states has failed

The policy of targetingGulf Arab states and Jordan has failed, ‌UAE presidential adviser ‌Anwar Gargash said in a post on X on Monday.

"A state ‌of neither war nor peace ‌cannot be a sustainable solution," Gargash said, adding realistic political solutions should begin with de-escalation and the restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran oil CEO calls Trump's Kharg Island post 'laughable'

Conditions on Iran's energy hub Kharg Island are "calm and appropriate," and oil operations have not stopped, Hamid Bovard, CEO of the National Iranian Oil Company, said on Monday, according to Nournews.

Bovard denied that the key oil hub was being destroyed, as Trump's social media post had said.

"Trump's tweets are laughable, and conditions in Kharg are calm and appropriate," Nournews cited him as saying.

It added that the island, from which 90% of Iranian oil exports originate, had been bombed repeatedly by U.S. and Israeli forces in the past, but oil workers had not allowed operations to stop "even for a moment".

Contractors are currently rebuilding and modernizing storage tanks and jetties, he added. 

UAE says its air force dealt with drone coming from Iran over its waters

Iran's president says Tehran 'not looking for war' after Larak Island attack by US

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country is not “looking for war” but will also “never sit still in the face of any aggression, Anadolu Agency reported.

He made the first comments since the US’ weekend attack on Iran’s Larak Island

Speaking before departing for Kyrgyzstan for an international summit, Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would respond firmly to any further attacks, according to the Fars news agency.

Iran “will give a decisive response to the aggressors” if attacked, he said.

“Instability and unrest in the region are not in the interest of any country and will challenge everyone,” he added.
 

Vessels crossing Hormuz have dropped to five per day

Iranian media is reporting a supertanker was struck by mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Such incidents plus the threat of drone and other attacks by Iran have sharply reduced traffic in the strait through which 20% of the world's oil and natural gas passed before the U.S. and Israel started the war on February 28.

The number of visible commodity vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz dropped to five per day over the weekend, shipping data showed on Monday, as companies tread cautiously amid continued attacks on ships.

The actual number of ships passing the vital waterway could be higher as some vessels have switched off their automatic identification system to evade attacks. 

Iran says it attacked UAE air base, state TV reports

Iran's army says it attacked the United Arab Emirates' Al Minhad Air Base with drones early on Monday, Iranian state TV reported, citing a statement from the army, Reuters reported.

The army said the attack targeted locations at the base where U.S. forces and helicopters were stationed.

It said the attack was in response to the killing of Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Iranian civilians on Larak Island.

There was no immediate comment from the UAE on the Iranian, and the U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to the reports. 

Iran says it shot down a US drone over Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz with air defense missiles, Reuters reported.

The Guards said the drone, known as a Reaper, crashed into Gulf waters, the Mehr news agency reported on Monday, citing an IRGC statement. 

Oil jumps more than 2% after US attack on Iran's Larak island

Oil prices were trading more than 2% ‌higher on Monday after the U.S. attacked an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz and drew retaliation from Tehran, as conflict in the Middle East extended into its sixth month.

Brent crude futures climbed $2.51, or 2.85%, to $90.61 a barrel as of 0241 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $85.53, up $2.13, or 2.55%. 

Trump says Iran's Kharg is being 'blown to smithereens, but gives no details

Iran's energy hub of Kharg Island is being blown to smithereens, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, after forces hit two rocket launchers on another island in the first known American strikes on the Islamic republic since late July.

Attacking Kharg, which handled ‌90% of Iran's oil exports before the war launched by U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28, would severely disrupt the Islamic republic's energy trade and put huge pressure on its economy.

"Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!! President DJT," Trump said on social media, but gave no further details. The White House and the U.S. Defense Department did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment outside of regular business hours. 

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran

The U.S. Treasury Department is likely to unveil weekly new secondary sanctions ‌aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran, with an initial focus on banks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters on Sunday.

After imposing penalties on the United Arab Emirates branches of Egypt's Banque Misr on Friday over alleged financial links to Iran, Bessent said in an interview that the next step may be cutting off an institution entirely from the dollar-based financial system.

"You're going to see a ‌lot more of these every week," Bessent said ahead of a Group of 20 finance leaders meeting. "We're starting with the banks, and we're telling the banks it's not okay to have Iranian money and to aid the regime."

Bessent said he intends to drive the message home to G20 finance ministers and central bank governors to cut economic ties to Iran, or face secondary sanctions. 

US says Larak attack targeted 'imminent threat' to Hormuz

US Central Command said Sunday’s attack on IRGC forces on Larak Island targeted an “imminent threat” to the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting Tehran’s characterization of the strike as an “act of aggression.”

CENTCOM said US forces took “limited, precise action” against Revolutionary Guards forces attempting to lay mines in the Strait.

“Iran created the threat and the US military eliminated it,” CENTCOM said, adding that the strike was intended to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping and the flow of global commerce.
 

Iran says Kheibar Shekan missiles used in latest attack

Iran used solid-fuel Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles in its attack early Monday, state broadcaster IRIB reported.

The report said the solid-fuel missiles were launched alongside slower liquid-fuels and drones.
 

Jordan says it intercepted eight missiles

Jordan’s armed forces said they intercepted eight missiles that entered the country’s airspace on Monday.

The statement came after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched missile and drone attacks on two US military bases in Jordan.
 

IRGC says it struck two US air bases in Jordan

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it launched a combined ballistic missile and drone attack on two US air bases in Jordan in response to the US-Israeli attack on Larak Island.

In a statement carried by Tasnim News, the IRGC said it targeted technical and maintenance infrastructure and areas where fighter jets were stationed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq and King Hussein Air Base, claiming it inflicted “heavy damage.”

The Guards warned that attacks would be met with increasingly forceful responses and said the strikes would not weaken Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.
 

Video appears to show Iranian missiles over Jordan

Video appears to show Iranian missiles over Jordan 

IRGC-linked channel claims missile attacks on US warships, vessels

A Telegram channel close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced a “new wave of Iranian missile and drone launches,” claiming missiles had been fired at “noncompliant vessels” in the Strait of Hormuz.

The channel also claimed that cruise missiles were launched at US warships in the Strait.

US officials have not commented on the claims. 

Iran warns US of economic, military response to strike against Larak

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned the US it would face consequences “in both the economic and military arenas” over its attack on Larak Island.

IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebi called the attack a “strategic and fatal mistake” by the Trump administration in the course of its economic war, saying it would shift the balance against those who planned it and carry heavy costs.
 

US forces strike two Iranian rocket launchers on Lark Island: report

US forces struck rocket launchers belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Lark Island on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported, citing a US official.

The official said US forces had also completed mine-clearing operations along international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

US forces were closely monitoring the region and remained ready to protect the free flow of trade through the strait, the official added.

Axios separately reported, citing a US official, that US forces had struck two Iranian launchers on the island.

“Revolutionary Guard forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines toward the Strait of Hormuz,” Axios reporter Barak Ravid quoted the official as saying.
 

US forces struck IRGC rocket launchers on Lark Island

US forces struck rocket launchers belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Lark Island on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported, citing a US official.

The official said US forces had also completed mine-clearing operations along international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

US forces were closely monitoring the region and remained ready to protect the free flow of trade through the strait, the official added.
 

IRGC intelligence warns of psychological warfare, vows response

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Organization said the “enemy” was seeking to undermine national stability and resilience through psychological warfare.

“Iran’s response is clear: disrupt the enemy’s command capabilities, strike networks of terrorist collaborators, and confront those seeking to undermine stability and unity,” the organization said.
 

Minister says Israel ready to attack if Iran 'revives' nuclear or missile plans

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has said Israel will strike Iran again if it tries to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, even if Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington, Al Jazeera reports.

“If Iran makes the mistake and tries to renew its nuclear programme or ballistic missile programme, even if there is an agreement with the United States, we will be there to attack,” Cohen said when asked about the war on Iran in an interview with the Israeli news site Ynet.

Enemy 'seriously miscalculated' our resolve, says Iran's naval commander

Shahram Irani, the commander of the Iranian Navy, says the enemy has “seriously miscalculated” the resolve of the Iranian people and the armed forces, Iran’s Press TV reports.

“If the enemy believes that the martyrdom of some Iranian citizens and Navy personnel will bring the force to a halt, it is gravely mistaken,” he said.

“The Navy will draw strength from the blood of its martyrs and continue on its path with even greater resolve and determination.”

 

Iran's President Pezeshkian to attend SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan

The Iranian, Chinese and Russian presidents are expected in Central Asia’s Kyrgyzstan on Monday for a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Al Jazeera reports.

About a dozen heads of state will be in Bishkek to mark 25 years of the organisation.

President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to hold talks with other leaders during the summit to discuss regional issues and bilateral ties, the report added.

'Massive' explosion in southern Lebanon after Israeli bombing

The Israeli army has carried out a “massive explosion” in the southern Lebanese town of Houla, in the Marjeyoun district, this morning, Al Jazeera reports, citing Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Iran says Hormuz transit understanding with Oman contingent on US fulfilling commitments

Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation is contingent on the US fulfilling its commitments, a senior Iranian diplomat has said, Anadolu Agency reports.

“This understanding will not automatically enter the implementation stage,” Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said, according to Tasnim news agency.

“Implementing this understanding requires the other side, particularly the US, to fulfil its commitments. Whenever these commitments are implemented, Iran will also take its measures,” he said.

Gharibabadi said Iran was in no hurry to reopen the strait and would continue its “defensive measures” and efforts to “counter threats.”

“These measures are not new, and if Washington is interested in returning to the path of diplomacy, it must accept responsibility for its past actions,” he added.

He said the necessary arrangements regarding the strait had been made with the Omani government, but responsibility for meeting the requirements rested with the other side.

“Whenever these commitments are fulfilled, Iran will take the necessary action. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and if any vessel passes through this route, it will be with the coordination and authorisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said.

Gharibabadi added that Iran’s armed forces maintain “full oversight” of movements in the strait, rejecting claims that vessels were passing through without coordination with Tehran.

He said Iran’s meetings and contacts with Qatar and Pakistan were held in light of the two countries’ roles as mediators in the talks.

“Qatar and Pakistan sought to examine whether it was possible to resume implementation of the commitments under the Islamabad understanding,” he said.

 

Minab school massacre leaves eternal wound on Iran: Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described the Minab school massacre as an eternal wound on Iran, urging people and contemporary art enthusiasts to visit an exhibition featuring paintings inspired by the incident, according to state-run IRNA news agency.

In an Instagram post last night, Araghchi said he had visited the exhibition the previous day, describing it as a place where art “weeps and makes others weep”.

“Behind these colors and images stands the bitter memory of a crime committed by enemies of Iran against innocent children of this land,” he said, stressing that the tragedy would neither disappear with time nor be erased from the grieving nation’s memory. 

Iran supreme leader calls for unity among Muslim countries

Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei calls on Muslim countries in the region to unite against the United States and Israel in a written message issued six months on from the start of the Middle East war, AFP reports.

“The solution to the problems of the Islamic nations is unity of words, friendship, and cooperation on the path of goodness,” he said, according to his official website.

The statement also says the “enemy” seeks to create divisions within Muslims globally, according to Al Jazeera, and urges against any action that could divide Muslims.

Referring to the US and Israel, it adds: “They strive to turn various racial, cultural, social, economic, political, and geographical differences into pretexts for creating discord among Muslim people in Iran and in any other Islamic country”. 

Iranian supreme leader asks countries in Middle East to 'recognise your true enemy'

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has urged countries in the Middle East to “recognise your true enemy”, understand its plans and confront it.

He said this in a written message in connection with the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). 

Iraq seeks to 'be a bridge' between Iran and US, says Iraqi prime minister's security advisor

Iraq has a “good relationship” with Iran and the United States, and it seeks to “be a bridge” for communication to reach an agreement that guarantees the right of the entire region, the Iraqi prime minister’s security adviser Qassim al-Araji has said in a recent interview with Al Jazeera.

He added that Iran emphasised the necessity of removing extremist groups from Iraq. 

Democratic senator slams Trump, oil giants for Iran war profits

Democratic US Senator Elizabeth Warren has called Trump “the most corrupt president ever in American history”, underlining that oil majors aligned with him have benefitted from the war on Iran, Al Jazeera reports.

“So the question becomes: What do we do about that? When Donald Trump starts a war with Iran and his oil buddies, who gave him a million dollars for his campaign. When they start making profits like crazy, then our job is to call it out and fight back. That’s what we do,” she said in an election rally for a junior senator from Massachusetts.

“You want to lower the price of gasoline? End the war in Iran. Just end it,” Warren said. 

Pezeshkian admits US sanctions are hurting Iran's economy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that US sanctions are hurting the country's economy, days after saying the latest American measures would have little impact.

“Some say sanctions have no effect at all; to those people, I really don't know what to say,” Pezeshkian told state television in an interview late Friday.

“We are in a war situation, and we must accept these wartime conditions,” he added.

Pezeshkian said Iran's exports and imports had fallen by 25% to 35% in recent months as the United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

His comments came days after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for what he called the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, warning of consequences for countries that do not join Washington's campaign.

The latest measures build on a US sanctions regime imposed after then-President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 international nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018.

Pezeshkian also said Iran should raise petrol prices to reflect the decline in trade.

“We should raise the price of the third-tier quota... For example, from 5,000 tomans to 10,000 tomans,” he said. 

Israel will attack Iran again even if US strikes deal, energy minister says

Israel will strike Iran again if it tries to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, even if Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington, Israel’s energy minister says according to Al Jazeera.

Eli Cohen was asked about the war on Iran in an interview with the Israeli news site Ynet on Saturday.

“If Iran makes the mistake and tries to renew its nuclear programme or ballistic missile programme, even if there is an agreement with the United States, we will be there to attack,” he said.

Cohen said Iran would have obtained nuclear weapons had Israel not attacked, and that Israeli intelligence assessed that the joint US-Israeli strikes had set the programme back by between two and four years.

“We have already proven our capabilities,” he said. 

Hormuz crisis adds $330billion to global fossil fuel import costs: study

Fossil fuel importers paid an estimated $330 billion more for seaborne oil, fuel and LNG between March and August than pre-war futures markets had projected, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Crude accounted for $164.1 billion of the gross additional cost, followed by diesel and gasoil at $73.8 billion and LNG at $38 billion.

The EU faced the largest gross increase at $78 billion, followed by China at $35 billion and India at $22 billion. CREA described the US-Iran war as causing the largest sustained oil price shock since the 1990 Persian Gulf War.
 

US-Israel-Iran war adds $330 billion to global oil and gas import costs

The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has pushed up the global cost of importing oil and gas by an estimated $330 billion over the six months from March through August, according to an analysis by Finland-based climate think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

The additional cost comes despite oil and gas prices rising less sharply than many analysts had initially feared. However, with the conflict still unresolved, energy importers could face an even larger bill if disruptions in the region continue.

According to CREA's analysis, the figure represents the difference between the actual amounts paid for imported crude oil, fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the costs analysts had expected based on their earlier price forecasts.

The think tank described the disruption to energy supplies in the Persian Gulf as the most significant since the 1990 Gulf War, with the European Union emerging as the region facing the greatest financial impact.

Crude oil accounted for the largest portion of the additional import costs, contributing approximately $164.1 billion to the overall increase.

Diesel and gasoil imports followed, adding around $73.8 billion, while gasoline accounted for another $35.7 billion in additional costs.

LNG imports were estimated to have cost buyers approximately $38 billion more than they otherwise would have, while jet fuel added a further $20 billion to the global import bill.

The figures highlight the financial impact of geopolitical instability on global energy markets. Even without a dramatic surge in oil and gas prices, prolonged disruptions can significantly increase costs for countries that rely heavily on imported energy.

With the conflict continuing, energy markets remain vulnerable to further supply disruptions and price volatility, potentially adding billions more to the global import bill in the months ahead. 

Pezeshkian says implementing Islamabad MoU could help Iran overcome problems

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that implementing the Islamabad MoU with domestic unity could help Iran overcome its problems, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported.

“The government believes that if, based on internal unity, we implement the memorandum approved by all those who care about the country’s dignity and progress, we can overcome the problems,” Pezeshkian said.

He said implementing the MoU would prevent the United States and Israel from destabilizing the region and allow regional countries to pursue stability and development through unity and cooperation.

Pezeshkian also called for a single political message from Tehran, saying coordination among the heads of the three branches of government and the Supreme National Security Council had improved and that Iran should not allow “multiple voices” to emerge.

 

Iran rejects US claim that southern Hormuz route functioning

Iran’s state TV, quoting an informed security source in Tehran, challenged US claims that the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz is functioning normally, asking why Washington is pressing Iran for an agreement if oil traffic through the waterway is flowing as claimed.

The source told state-run Press TV on Saturday that US assertions about the volume of oil transiting the southern route were “contrary to realities on the ground” and part of what the source described as a broader psychological campaign aimed at influencing global energy prices.

According to the source, Washington is seeking to portray the southern route through Hormuz as operating smoothly while presenting the northern route designated by Iran as ineffective.

The source said Iran’s efforts to keep the strait closed were continuing, pointing to attacks on vessels accused of violating Iranian regulations and to tankers changing course after receiving warnings.
 

Security service confirms Iran threat prompted Yair Netanyahu US evacuation

Israel’s Shin Bet security service confirmed Saturday that a significant Iranian threat against Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompted his urgent evacuation from Florida to Israel, the Jerusalem Post reported.

“There was indeed a significant threat to harm Yair Netanyahu, and in light of this, following a situation assessment, a decision was made to extract him together with his security team urgently back to Israel,” the Shin Bet said.

 

Iraq seeks to 'be a bridge' between Iran and US

Iraq wants to serve as a bridge between Iran and the United States to help the two sides reach an agreement that protects the interests of the wider region, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s security adviser Qassim al-Araji said.

“We have a good relationship with Iran and the United States, and we seek to be a bridge” for communication between the two sides, al-Araji said in a recent interview with Al Jazeera.

He also said Iran had stressed the need to remove extremist groups from Iraq.

 

Iran says Hormuz remains closed pending US compliance with Islamabad MoU

Iran and Oman have reached an understanding over the Strait of Hormuz, but it will not be implemented until the United States fulfills its commitments under the Islamabad MoU, Iran’s deputy foreign minister said, according to Iranian media.

“The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and any vessel passing through the strait does so in coordination with Iran,” Kazem Gharibabadi said on Saturday.

“We will continue our own defensive measures and are prepared for any scenario,” he added.

On recent visits to Iran by Qatari and Pakistani officials, Gharibabadi said their efforts were aimed at determining whether there was a possibility of returning to implementation of the commitments under the Islamabad MoU.
 

Iran transfers $7.5bn in oil revenues to central bank despite US naval blockade

Iran transferred $7.5 billion in oil revenues from sales during the first four months of the current Iranian year to the central bank, Anadolu reports citing the semi-official Fars news agency.

Tehran’s oil ministry says the funds will be sufficient to cover the government’s foreign-currency expenditures from July through December, and that Iran has enough oil available for sale outside the US naval blockade to meet the revenue requirements set under its state budget for March 21, 2026-March 20, 2027.

Oil revenues on March 21-July 22, the first four months of the Iranian year, have reached 99 per cent of the amount projected in the budget for the period, according to Fars.

Iran claims arrested terrorists 'affiliated with' US and Israel

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it launched an operation against a “terrorist team affiliated with Israel and [the United States of] America” in the country’s Saravan area, according to news agency ISNA.

“One person was killed, six were arrested, and 20 packages of explosives, a large number of weapons, ammunition and Starlink equipment were seized,” ISNA adds, citing the IRGC’s Quds Garrison.

 

US trying to 'game energy markets', alleges Iran's Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the US of engaging in “major efforts to game energy markets”, citing his country’s intelligence.

“US government elements use gullible media to influence prices for personal gain and keep POTUS (US President Donald Trump) mired in a losing war. Israel-aligned actors also promote war with rosy assessments,” he writes on X.

“US consumers feel the real bottom line.”

Ayatollah Khamenei's message is 'clear, beyond interpretation': Iran security chief

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Major General Mohsen Rezaei says the message of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on Government Week, is clear and beyond interpretation, serving as a guiding principle for all Iranian officials, IRNA reports.

Banque Misr says it is reviewing US Iran sanctions notice

Egypt's Banque Misr said it is reviewing a US Treasury notice related to restricting US dollar correspondent banking services provided by US financial institutions to Banque Misr's branch in the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement on Saturday.

It said Banque Misr's branch in the UAE continues to provide banking services to its customers in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures, Reuters reported.

The US Treasury said on Friday it had moved to cut off Banque Misr's branches in the United Arab Emirates from dollar transactions for its dealings with Iran.

Iranian president urges Trump to avoid creating turmoil, says dialogue can resolve problems

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged his American counterpart, Donald Trump, to avoid creating turmoil, saying problems can be resolved through dialogue and implementation of the memorandum of understanding, Anadolu reports.

“If we proceed through dialogue and on the basis of the memorandum of understanding, we will resolve the problems and secure our rights,” Pezeshkian says at a ceremony in Tehran, as cited by the Mehr News Agency.

“It is in the interest of the country, the region and the world that Trump does not create turmoil and that Israel does not cause insecurity and aggression,” he adds.

Pezeshkian said Iran does not favour war but would respond firmly to any assaults.

“We do not like war, but we will stand with strength against aggression and defend ourselves,” he says, adding that no power could force a united nation determined to defend its territory to surrender.

Blocking enemy's war goals meant victory for Iran, says Iranian army chief

Iran's Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami said the country is victorious in the US war as the enemy failed to achieve its goals.

Speaking at a ceremony honoring 3,785 martyred Army servicemen, he said in military terms, an attacking side is considered victorious only if it achieves its objectives. In a defensive war, however, preventing the enemy from achieving its objectives constitutes victory for the defender, Press TV reported.

He recalled that despite the enemies' attempts to destroy Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, its armed forces continued striking enemy targets until the very end.
 

Around 400 ships remain stranded in Strait of Hormuz and Gulf: UN Maritime Agency

Around 400 vessels remain stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region, according to the United Nations maritime agency.

Media reports, citing the agency, said the vessels have approximately 6,000 sailors on board.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved.

Dominguez called on UN member states and the shipping industry to make further political efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.

Araghchi says Iran would not compromise on national security

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no compromise would be made on the country’s security, stressing that Iranian forces will fight fire with fire, Press TV reported.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with participants of the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference, Araghchi referred to the country’s situation following the 12-day war and the developments during the recent US-Israeli aggression.

“Our enemies believed that their defeat in the previous war had failed to undermine the unity of the Iranian people. Therefore, they began plotting to create divisions within the country, sent armed groups, and sought to undermine the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic by creating insecurity and staging casualties,” he explained. 

Israeli forces launch attacks in outskirts of southern Lebanon village

Israeli military carried out explosions on outskirts of southern Lebanese village, Al Jazeera reports. 

Iran says diplomacy and defence inseparable, vows to resist US sanctions

The Iranian government has expressed resolve to stand firm against US sanctions and what it called US-Israeli “conspiracies,” saying diplomacy and defence were “complementary, coordinated and inseparable” tools for protecting the country’s national interests, security and territorial integrity, Reuters reported.

In a statement carried by state media, the government said it would pursue both tracks simultaneously and focus on curbing inflation, creating jobs, supporting domestic production and gradually reducing dependence on the dollar. 

Iran's navy says it has 'full control' over Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps ?Navy rejected U.S. ‌claims that the Strait of ?Hormuz was ?open, calling them ?an attempt ?to control oil ?prices and conceal what it described ?as U.S. ?failures, Reuters reported.

It said the ‌restrictions ?would continue until U.S. military actions against ?Iran ?end ?and relevant commitments are ?implemented, according ?to ?a statement. 

War weighs on Iran's economy as US intensifies sanctions

DUBAI/CAIRO (Reuters) - Iranian leaders are acknowledging the economic toll of war with the United ?States, with the supreme leader calling on the government to address the hardship while the president reported foreign trade has shrunk ‌35% due to the American sanctions and blockade.

The warnings came even as other leaders threaten the U.S. with military retaliation and declarations that the Iranian navy maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway giving Iran leverage through its ability to disrupt global energy markets.

With the war now at the six-month mark, and negotiations at an impasse, President Donald ?Trump's administration has stepped up efforts to punish Iran financially with what it has billed as an "economic D-Day."

Washington has warned countries to cut their ?business ties with Iran or face secondary sanctions, though the Treasury Department stopped short of imposing penalties against major ?Iranian trade partners such as China and India, which could have repercussions for the U.S. and global economies.

The U.S. Treasury Department did impose sanctions on Egypt's Banque ?Misr for doing business with Tehran, proposing a rule that would cut off the bank's branches in the United Arab Emirates from dollar transactions.

Egypt's central bank ?said it and the foreign ministry were in contact with U.S. officials concerning the matter, adding the measure was limited to Banque Misr UAE’s U.S. dollar transactions with correspondent banks only.

U.S. Treasury officials separately issued sanctions targeting one entity based in Hong Kong and one person linked to Iran's Bank Melli, according to a notice posted on the department's website.

The ?sanctions drive compounds the toll of the war on Iran's economy, where annual inflation hit 66% last month.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured and has ?not been seen publicly since the February 28 attack that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, called on the government to tackle the economic hardship.

"There is the need ‌to seriously ?address the chain of economic and livelihood challenges, such as inflation, unemployment, management of prices and the market for goods and services," said a written statement attributed to Khamenei.

Iran is the real winner of Islamabad agreement: President Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that domestic and international experts unanimously view Iran as the true winner of the Islamabad Understanding, describing the agreement reached within the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) as a major and exceptional achievement.

In a televised interview broadcast Friday night, President Pezeshkian addressed a wide range of domestic and foreign policy matters. He began his remarks by honoring the memory of the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, alongside all “martyrs” of the Revolution.

He highlighted that Iran’s current standing is owed to national unity and cohesion, adding that without such unity, opponents of the country would have achieved their objectives. He urged the nation to cherish and preserve internal solidarity. 

No talks with Iran ongoing or scheduled, says White House official

In a statement to Al Jazeera, US deputy press secretary Anna Kelly says Washington is not engaged with any discussions with Iran.

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” says Kelly, reiterating US claims that the Strait of Hormuz is open and fully de-mined.

She adds that Washington’s naval blockade against Iran “remains in full force and effect” and that the US’s economic campaign against Iran — termed “Operation Economic Outcast” — “is underway to sever every remaining economic lifeline sustaining the regime”.

Iranians will never 'forget' or 'forgive' Minab school attack: FM Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the Minab school students have become a “heroic symbol” for Iran and that the Iranian people will never “forget” or “forgive” the attack, according to Al Jazeera.

 

US issues fresh Iran-related sanctions

The United States issued more Iran-related sanctions targeting one entity and one individual on Friday after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier this week threatened further action amid the ongoing war.

The sanctions target one entity based in Hong Kong and one person linked to Iran's Bank Melli, a notice posted on the Department of Treasury's website showed.

US moves to cut off Banque Misr's UAE branches over Iran ties

The US Treasury Department plans to restrict the UAE branches of Egypt’s Banque Misr from accessing the American financial system over their alleged business dealings with Iran, the Financial Times reported.

The measure would prevent the bank’s UAE branches from accessing US financial institutions and conducting dollar-denominated transactions as part of Washington’s broader economic pressure campaign against Tehran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department was committed to cutting off Iran’s remaining economic lifelines and ending what he called the threat posed by the Iranian regime. 

Source says Israel seeking to delay Lebanon talks ahead of elections

Israel is attempting to delay ongoing negotiations with Lebanon ahead of its October elections, according to a Lebanese source cited by Al Jazeera Arabic.

The source said Israeli claims about difficulties in establishing pilot zones for withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon were also intended to buy time and delay the talks.

The source added that efforts to keep the Ali al-Taher heights outside the fighting had failed, while Israeli military activity did not currently indicate plans to expand operations beyond the area. 

Iran condemns new US sanctions campaign as 'state terrorism'

Iran has denounced the United States’ latest economic sanctions campaign, calling it “tantamount to state terrorism” against Iran and the wider world, state media ISNA reported.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of using the US dollar to pressure other countries into supporting what Tehran described as interventionist policies that violate international law.

The ministry said such measures undermine the sovereignty and right to self-determination of UN member states. 

China says dialogue 'only viable way out' of US-Iran conflict

China has called for dialogue and diplomatic negotiations to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran, as Washington imposes fresh economic sanctions on Tehran.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in Beijing that negotiations remain the “only viable way out” of the conflict.

He also reiterated China’s opposition to what he described as illegal and unilateral US sanctions against Iran, saying Beijing’s position remained “consistent and clear.” 

Iran war drives US transport fuel surcharges, but also industry profits

US retailers, manufacturers and small businesses are paying hefty fuel surcharges to ship their goods, not only as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran boosts fuel costs but ‌also as some shippers profit from the fees.

The charges have become a growing source of tension across supply chains, with customers arguing that some companies are using them to boost profits rather than simply recover higher fuel costs. Ultimately, those extra costs can be passed on to inflation-weary consumers. 

Dar discusses regional development with Turkish, Saudi FMs

Araghchi calls for respectful US approach to revive diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he held “creative discussions” with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, expressing hope that diplomacy can be brought back on track.

In a post on X, Araghchi said a return to diplomacy remains possible but would depend on the United States changing its approach.

“Putting diplomacy back on track isn't impossible,” Araghchi said.

He added that progress hinges on Washington understanding what he described as a simple fact: “pressure doesn't work.”

According to Araghchi, the US should instead focus on building trust and engaging respectfully. He also called on Washington to acknowledge Iran’s rights and honor its commitments.

“The US should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights, and uphold commitments,” Araghchi said.
 

US senator says Trump struggling to find exit from Iran war

US Senator Mark Kelly said President Donald Trump is struggling to find an exit from the war on Iran, with Americans paying higher gas and food costs, AlJazeera reported.

"This is a crisis of his own making," Kelly told US media.
 

Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz slips below 10-day average, data shows

Seven commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, down from 17 a day earlier ‌and below the 10-day average of 15, preliminary shipping data showed on Friday.

Among the seven vessels that transited were two medium-range tankers, one very large gas carrier (VLGC), one Ultramax vessel, one intermediate tanker and two chemical tankers, initial data from shiptracker Kpler showed at 0315 GMT, Reuters reported. 

Four of the vessels were exiting the strait, including the two chemical tankers, the medium range and intermediate tanker. The VLGC, Ultramax and the other medium range tanker were entering the strait.

The figures could change as some ships typically switch off transponders during the voyage. 

Oil on track for weekly loss even as Iran tensions simmer

Oil prices fell on Friday and are on track to snap a two-week winning streak, despite settling higher in the previous session following a report, opens new tab that U.S. ‌President Donald Trump is not interested in returning to previous deal terms with Iran, Reuters reported.

Brent crude futures were down 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $89.45 a barrel by 0035 GMT. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 22 cents, also 0.3%, to $83.31. 

Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz, top security official Rezaei says

Iran is preparing a list of conditions for reopening the Strait ‌of Hormuz after mediators asked Tehran to set them out, said Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, adding that ending the regional war was among them.

Rezaei said Iran had agreed with Oman on a shipping corridor through the strait, with parts of the route in Omani waters and parts in Iranian waters. Ships would use a designated central channel if the U.S. met Iran's conditions, he said through an interpreter in an Al Manar TV interview.

On Wednesday, a senior source said Iran and Oman were still working on details of an agreement on the waterway after Iran's Revolutionary Guards ‌said the two countries had agreed on how to share control of the strait and its revenues.

A Guards spokesperson said Iran would not allow the strait to reopen unless Washington lifted what Tehran describes as a blockade of Iranian ports while also paying compensation and removing sanctions.

Before the war began in February, the strait carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Shipping through the waterway has largely stopped since then. Ceasefire agreements announced by Washington and Tehran in April and June were intended to restore maritime traffic, but did not hold. 

CENTCOM says Iran oil exports halted, Hormuz mines cleared

US Central Command said Thursday that internationally recognized shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz had been cleared of Iranian sea mines and that Iran had exported no oil since Washington resumed its naval blockade in mid-July.

“Today international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building,” he said.
“While American forces have supported 750 million barrels of crude oil leaving the Gulf, Iran has exported zero oil from its shores since we resumed the naval blockade in mid-July.”

Cooper said the blockade had prevented ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports without US permission, with exceptions only on humanitarian grounds.
Since the blockade resumed, US forces have turned back 75 vessels attempting to breach it and disabled three others that failed to comply with US directions, Cooper said.

 

Iran security chief threatens US economic interests if blockade continues

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned Thursday that Tehran would retaliate against US economic interests if the maritime blockade against Iran remained in place.

“If the blockade continues, we will target US economic interests 100 percent, with intensity and force,” Rezaei said in an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Manar television.

Rezaei said Iran had “broken the maritime blockade” during the ceasefire and exported between 70 million and 80 million barrels of oil, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

He added that Iranian oil sales had returned to pre-sanctions levels and said Tehran had opened new export routes that were gradually expanding.
 

Trump says Iran is 'failing,' seeking deal with US

US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday, “Iran Is a Failing Nation!” and said Tehran was “begging to make a deal” with Washington.

“I don’t want to meet, they do. In fact, they are begging to make a deal,” Trump wrote.

 

CENTCOM says Iran does not control Strait of Hormuz

US Central Command said Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway remains international.

“Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins told Fox News. “The strait is an international waterway that commercial vessels continue to transit with US military assistance.”

 

Trump remains vague on sanctions plan for Iran's partners

President Donald Trump remained vague when asked about his campaign to choke off Iran’s economy, refusing to say whether he planned to sanction Chinese banks or if he’d discussed the matter with foreign counterparts.

The administration announced earlier this week Operation Economic Outcast, which threatened tough new sanctions on Iran’s trading partners if they didn’t cut off ties to Tehran.

But the administration stopped short of putting in place any new measures, and so far hasn’t listed any major financial institutions from China — Iran’s largest trading partner — as being subject to US sanctions.
 

Trump remains vague on sanctions plan for Iran's partners

President Donald Trump remained vague when asked about his campaign to choke off Iran’s economy, refusing to say whether he planned to sanction Chinese banks or if he’d discussed the matter with foreign counterparts.

The administration announced earlier this week Operation Economic Outcast, which threatened tough new sanctions on Iran’s trading partners if they didn’t cut off ties to Tehran.

But the administration stopped short of putting in place any new measures, and so far hasn’t listed any major financial institutions from China — Iran’s largest trading partner — as being subject to US sanctions.
 

Iranian lawmaker says US must accept all of Tehran's conditions

Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said Thursday that the United States had only one path forward: accepting all of Iran’s conditions and fulfilling its commitments.

“You may try every path and exhaust every option, but you know there is only one way out: submitting to the will of the great Iranian nation, accepting all of Iran’s conditions, and fully fulfilling your commitments,” Azizi wrote in a post on X.
 

Houthis warn Saudi Arabia over Yemen blockade

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of seeking to weaken the country through a blockade of airports and seaports and warned insurance companies against relying on Riyadh’s assurances, the Houthi-run Saba news agency reported Thursday.

In a statement, the Houthi Foreign Ministry said Saudi Arabia was trying to mobilize allies and “mercenaries” against Yemen and accused it of confiscating national resources to exhaust the country and impoverish its population.

The ministry also said anyone who refused to take part in Saudi Arabia’s “destructive vision” was being placed under house arrest.

It said those measures were now backfiring and causing mounting economic losses for Saudi Arabia.
The ministry also warned insurance companies against becoming involved on the basis of Saudi assurances.
 

Qatar PM holds talks with top Iranian officials in Tehran as mediation efforts gather pace

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met a series of senior Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday, as regional mediators intensified efforts to ease tensions surrounding the US-Iran conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

During a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the two discussed regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions and create conditions for the resumption of dialogue, according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry in a statement.
 

Trump says Russia has 'behaved quite well' over Strait of Hormuz

“So far, I think Russia has behaved quite well, having to do with the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump told reporters.

He said the waterway was open and that “millions of barrels of oil are coming out of the strait every day.”

Asked which world leaders he had spoken to about cutting off ties with Iran, Trump said: “There is not a lot to speak to. We don’t want to speak to them.”

Asked separately why the United States had not sanctioned Chinese banks doing business with Iran, Trump said: “Who said I’m not? You don’t know if I’m doing it. I don’t have to announce everything, do I?”
 

Iran preparing conditions to open Strait of Hormuz, Rezaei says

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said mediators had asked Tehran for its conditions to open the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran was preparing a list, in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Manar TV.

Rezaei said the conditions include ending the war in the region.

He said Iran had agreed to a corridor with Oman, with part of it in Omani waters and some in Iranian waters.

Rezaei said ships would transit through a designated central channel in the Strait of Hormuz if the United States meets Iran’s conditions.
 

Iran's top security chief dismisses alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump's son

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei dismissed allegations that Tehran plotted to assassinate US President Donald Trump’s youngest son as “a lie,” in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Manar TV.

The comments followed an Iranian state television video aired this week that discussed a possible plot to assassinate Barron Trump, 20, claimed he was being monitored and alleged that a $10 million bounty had been placed on his life.

A Reuters report on Tuesday cited US Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring as saying the agency was aware of the video and investigates anything that could be perceived as a threat against people under its protection.
 

US Naval blockade of Iran diverts 75 commercial ships: Centcom

US Central Command (Centcom) has said 75 commercial vessels have been redirected as part of Washington’s naval blockade of Iran.

According to Centcom, three commercial ships have also been disabled, while two others were boarded during operations linked to the blockade. 

Israeli army budget shortfall threatens military readiness, chief of staff says

Israel’s military is facing a funding shortfall that is affecting its operational readiness, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has said, according to Anadolu.

Speaking during a multi-front security assessment, Zamir said the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were dealing with financial constraints while its personnel continued operations across multiple fronts.

He warned that the shortage of funds was having a negative impact on the military’s preparedness.

Zamir’s remarks come amid a dispute between Israel’s defence and finance ministries over the allocation of additional funds for the military. 

UK Foreign Secretary praises Pakistan's role in US-Iran mediation during meeting with Dar

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and promote stability in the Middle East during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to the Foreign Office, the two officials discussed bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in the Middle East.

Dar briefed his British counterpart on Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation initiatives in the region and the progress made through its efforts.

Miliband appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and facilitation efforts aimed at advancing dialogue, diplomacy and stability in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said. 

White House says no negotiations happening with Iran, all options on table

There are currently no negotiations happening between the United States and Iran, but all options remain on the table, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says in a Fox News interview, according to Reuters.

 

Lebanon state media says Israeli strike kills woman in south

Lebanese official media says Israeli airstrikes on the country’s south have killed a woman, after Israel’s military claimed Hezbollah launched drones at its soldiers there overnight, AFP reports.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reports a series of Israeli airstrikes, including on the town of Arab Salim, where it says a woman who “had been married for 48 hours” was killed, with others wounded.

 

Greek-operated air defence system shoots down drones over Saudi

An air defence system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted a ‌swarm of drones on Thursday in the wider Yanbu region, home to major oil refining facilities, Greek security sources told Reuters.

It was the third time the Greek-operated system has been used in combat since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began, underscoring the widening military role of European allies in defending Gulf energy infrastructure.

"The battery engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi ‌air defence systems," one of the sources said, adding that the Greek Patriot system launched three missiles, without detailing the number of drones downed or their origin.
 

Iran president calls on Muslim nations to unite despite differences

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged Muslim nations to unite despite their differences.

He stated this while delivering a speech at the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran.

"No Muslim country should pursue its security in the insecurity of its neighbours," the president was quoted as saying by international media.

He also slammed US-Israeli aggression against his country, and said that "Iran stood strong against US-Israeli aggression".

"Iran is not in a weak position and it knows how to defend itself," he added.
 

Shipping traffic through Strait of Hormuz rises slightly, data shows

Shipping traffic at the Strait of Hormuz rose slightly even as a standoff persisted between the United States and Iran, ‌data showed on Thursday, while the market monitored Iran-Oman talks about the waterway.

Visible commodity vessel transits at Hormuz totalled 10 on Wednesday, up slightly from eight on Tuesday, data from Kpler showed. This was below a 10-day moving average of about 15 vessels.

Two medium-range fuel tankers, a liquefied petroleum gas carrier, a Panamax-sized tanker, and three handymax-sized tankers entered the strait from the Gulf of Oman. 

A medium-range fuel tanker, a bitumen tanker and a bulk carrier exited the waterway from the Gulf.

Iran and Oman are still working on the details of an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source said on Wednesday, after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the two countries had ‌agreed how to share the waterway and its revenue.

Iran unable to secure enough petrol imports due to US naval blockade, says official

 Iran has been unable to import enough petrol to make up for insufficient domestic production because of a US naval blockade, a senior Iranian official said, AFP reported.

“Petrol production is insufficient, and because of the US naval blockade, we cannot import it,” the official IRNA news agency quoted Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah as saying.

Asia's crude oil imports stay soft in August, challenging US Hormuz claims

Asia's imports of crude oil in August are still well short of levels prior to the start of the Iran conflict, raising further questions as to just how much crude is actually leaving the Middle East.

The top-importing continent is expected to see arrivals ?of 23.12 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, slightly down from July's 23.36 million bpd, according to data compiled by commodity analysts Kpler.

Imports are also ‌almost 4 million bpd, or 14%, down from the average of 26.91 million bpd in the three months to the end of February.
 

Unknown projectile hits tanker in Strait of Hormuz: UKMTO

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an unknown projectile struck a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to IRNA news agency.

In its early Thursday statement, the organization said: According to local authorities, this attack resulted in a fire on the ship. 

Israeli conducts airstrikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes conducted two airstrikes on the Ali al-Taher heights in southern Lebanon, Press TV reported.

Shipping traffic at key Gulf waterways remain subdued, data shows

Shipping traffic at key Gulf waterways remained subdued as a geopolitical standoff persisted between the United States and Iran, while the market also monitored Iran-Oman talks about the Strait of Hormuz, data showed, Reuters reported. 

Iran says US sanctions will achieve nothing

Iran's president insisted on Wednesday that the United States would achieve nothing with its new sanctions campaign after Washington laid out plans to collapse the country's economy, AFP reported.

"America will not achieve anything with economic pressure at this stage, just as it was unable to achieve anything in the war," Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday, according to the country's ISNA news agency.


"We will stand firm against economic pressures, as we have done so far and will continue to do." 

Ghalibaf welcomes China's 'principled statement' denouncing US economic campaign against Iran

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has welcomed a “principled statement” from the Chinese foreign ministry rejecting US economic pressure and “illegal sanctions against Iran”.

“The Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership is rooted in mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and a shared vision for a multipolar world. This relationship needs no one’s permission,” he writes on X.

Qatari PM to visit Tehran today: Foreign Ministry


Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani will visit Tehran on Thursday, where he will meet Iranian officials to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions, Reuters reports citing Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari. 

Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote on X, "HE Sheikh @MBA_AlThani_, will arrive in Tehran tomorrow, where he will meet with a number of Iranian officials to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions & create the conditions conducive to dialogue. The visit comes in line with the State of Qatar’s firm position that the diplomatic path is the best means of resolving differences & promoting security & stability in the region. The discussions will also address freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz & the need for it to return to the status quo prior to February 28."

Qatar pushes for revival of US-Iran talks

Qatar is continuing diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said.

He said Qatari officials were in daily telephone contact with various parties and maintaining direct communication with Iran to facilitate a return to talks.

Al Ansari said Doha was exploring proposals and mechanisms to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table, while stressing full participation in the Qatar-Pakistan-led mediation process.

He said negotiations were the only way out of the crisis.

Qatar’s immediate priority, he added, was restoring normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while supporting de-escalation and ceasefire efforts.

IRGC claims US faces strategic weapons shortages after Iran war

The United States is facing shortages of strategic weapons following its war with Iran, with some depleted stocks potentially taking years to replenish, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported, citing an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson.

Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi said Washington was facing direct strategic vulnerabilities as a result of the conflict.

Speaking at a meeting with media representatives in Isfahan, Mohebbi claimed the United States had been forced to retreat “not only in the hard war but also in the infrastructure war.”

 

Qatar reaffirms support for diplomatic efforts to end Middle East war

Qatar has reaffirmed its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and achieving lasting peace in the region.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a phone call.

The two sides discussed coordination aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening regional security and stability.

Al-Thani reaffirmed Doha’s support for diplomatic efforts to ensure freedom of maritime navigation and pave the way for a comprehensive agreement that could secure lasting peace in the region.

Oil prices fall on signs of progress in US-Iran talks

Oil prices have fallen amid increased US economic pressure on Iran, as well as signs of progress in talks between Washington and Tehran, Reuters reports

Brent crude, a key catalyst for Gulf financial markets, has fallen by more than two per cent on hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen. It was trading at $86.43 a barrel at 1230 GMT (5:30pm PKT). 

Ishaq Dar meets Commonwealth chief, highlights Pakistan's role in regional peace

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London on Wednesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and its efforts to strengthen the organisation.

During the meeting, Dar expressed Pakistan’s support for Botchwey’s vision and highlighted the country’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s youth, climate resilience and economic development agendas. He also stressed the importance of promoting intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalised cooperation in the banking sector.

Highlighting Pakistan’s expertise in climate mitigation and disaster management, the deputy prime minister said Commonwealth member states could benefit from the country’s experience. He renewed Pakistan’s offer to host the Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Hub at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad.

 

Iran and Oman reach agreements on share of Hormuz and revenues: IRGC

Iran and Oman have reached agreements on their share of the Strait of Hormuz and its revenues, Reuters reports citing a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The spokesperson adds that the negotiations were being obstructed by the US, reiterating that the waterway will not open until the US upholds its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 

Ghalibaf says negotiations with US do not mean 'compromise or passivity'

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has reiterated that negotiations with the United States should not be interpreted as capitulation, “compromise or passivity”, Iranian news agency ISNA reports.

Responding to a letter from Kayhan newspaper editor Hossein Shariatmadari, Ghalibaf said serving as Tehran’s chief negotiator was “not a privilege” but rather “a heavy test and a serious trust”.

He added that negotiations were neither inherently valuable nor taboo, saying they could not be considered “absolutely good nor absolutely evil”. 

Iran president says 'US will achieve nothing' with economic pressure

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says that the “United States will achieve nothing” with its new round of economic sanctions, local media reports according to AFP.

“Given the measures the government has undertaken, America will not achieve anything with economic pressure at this stage, just as it was unable to achieve anything in the war,” Pezeshkian said, according to ISNA news agency.

 

Aramco offers more oil outside Hormuz with some cargoes heading to China

Saudi Aramco has offered more oil for loading outside the Strait of Hormuz in September, four sources with knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday, after the producer sold at least 4 million barrels to China this month, Reuters reports.

Shipping data indicates that Aramco has resorted to shuttling cargoes aboard tankers with their trackers switched off to evade attacks during transit through the strait, which was used by a fifth of the world’s oil and gas before the US- Iran war broke out on February 28. 

Iran calls on countries to denounce US unilateral coercive measures

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, has “called on all States to reject and denounce the extraterritorial application of unilateral coercive measures by the United States regime aimed at compelling Member States to subordinate their sovereign rights and lawful policies to those of another State,” IRNA reported.

“The Security Council must categorically condemn and reject these unilateral coercive measures aimed at compelling sovereign States to alter their lawful economic interests and foreign relations,” Darzi said in a statement addressing the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “The Security Council’s Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises” on Tuesday. 

Lebanon accuses Israel of burning forest, farmland in south

As extreme heat fuels wildfires worldwide this summer, Lebanese officials and residents have accused Israel's military of systematically sparking blazes that have burnt swathes of forest and farmland in the country's south.

In the village of Shaqra, Haidar Qoteish, 36, says he has watched fires devour fields and orchards in his hometown of Hula, just five kilometres (three miles) away but under Israeli military control.

"They've burnt everything. You can see the fields are all black," the father of four told AFP by telephone.

"Those whose land they didn't burn, they've bulldozed," he said. "It's a great loss, and there's nothing we can do." 

Iran says Hormuz strait still closed despite transit corridor talks

Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary transit corridor and mine-clearing for the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran warned on Wednesday that the vital waterway will not be reopened unless the United States ends the war.

During talks in Tehran, foreign ministers from Iran and Oman discussed a "phased framework" that included setting up a "joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines," according to a statement.

The two countries, both coastal states bordering the strait, have sought to hammer out a plan to regulate transit through it, as laid out in a June US-Iran memorandum of understanding. 

Netanyahu says no diplomatic deal possible with Iran 'savages'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a diplomatic deal was not possible with the "savages" who rule Iran as he hailed US President Donald Trump's new campaign of economic pressure, AFP reported.

Recounting a recent meeting with Trump, Netanyahu told an event late Tuesday that they had discussed the possibility of diplomacy with Iran and said: "I doubt, however, that an agreement can be reached with that group there, with those savages. I tell you - an agreement cannot be reached." 

Supertankers with 4 million barrels of Saudi oil head for China, data shows

Two supertankers carrying four million barrels of Saudi crude are bound for China after loading the cargoes via ship-to-ship transfers off Oman, Reuters reported citing shipping data on Wednesday.

 

British energy price cap to rise 4pc as Iran war pushes up costs

Most British households will see their energy bills rise from October after ‌energy regulator Ofgem announced a 4% hike in its domestic price cap as the war in Iran pushes up wholesale costs, Reuters reported.

The rise will be a blow to the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has pledged to ease cost-of-living pressures, and more than wipes out measures he announced last month to cut tax on electricity bills.

"High international gas prices are continuing to drive energy costs in the UK. We welcome the government’s intervention to remove VAT from electricity bills, without which customers would have faced even higher costs this winter,” said Neil Kenward, Ofgem’s director general for markets. 

Iran must not be permitted to threaten international commerce, Bessent tells Bahrain's minister

As war strands Qatari gas for 6 months, US sales rise and European stocks plummet

 Six months into the U.S.-Iran war, Qatar is among the conflict's biggest economic casualties, with its liquefied natural gas exports slashed by 96%, data shows.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq and Kuwait have seen their oil exports hit, but by nowhere near as much.

Qatar has lost $24 billion in gas sales, which is about five months’ worth of income for the country based on 2025 data, Reuters calculations show.

While neighbouring Gulf exporters have managed to sneak oil secretly out of the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar has exported just 18 LNG ‌cargoes, down from 509 in the same period last year, according to data intelligence firm ICIS. Two Qatari tankers have been attacked.

State-owned LNG producer QatarEnergy did not respond to a Reuters request for immediate comment.

Before the war Qatar supplied about one-fifth of the world’s daily LNG. Exports from the U.S. have offset some of that lost supply.

Trump sends Saudi civil nuclear agreement to Congress for review

US President Donald Trump has submitted a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for review, an administration official said.

The classified pact, sent to Capitol Hill on Monday, is aimed at bolstering Riyadh’s nuclear programme but remains contingent on Saudi Arabia normalising relations with Israel, AFP reports.

Oil prices slide 2% on Iran-Oman talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices dropped about 2% on Wednesday, adding to the previous session's losses, on fresh hopes ‌the Strait of Hormuz could reopen after Iran said it had resumed talks with neighbour Oman on managing the strategic waterway, Reuters reported.

Brent crude futures fell $1.78, or 2.0%, to $86.80 a barrel by 0027 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down $1.49, or 1.8%, at $80.87. Both benchmarks lost more than 3% on Tuesday. 

US is not expected to launch new strikes against Iran 'for the time being': Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several foreign ministers from allied countries in recent days that the United States is not expected to launch new strikes against Iran “for the time being” and will instead focus on other forms of pressure, Axios reported on Tuesday.

The report, citing a US official and a second source familiar with the matter, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. 

US blockade pushes Iranian tankers toward Asian waters

The US naval blockade is forcing Iranian-flagged oil tankers to remain away from Iranian ports, with at least 20 empty vessels now anchored off Sri Lanka after completing ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian crude in Southeast Asia, United Against Nuclear Iran said on Tuesday.

The tankers have remained away from Iranian ports because of the blockade, with several moving away from the Galle anchorage on August 23, possibly because of increased regulatory or enforcement pressure following recent media coverage of the vessels, the report said.

Other Iran-flagged tankers reached the Singapore Strait, with 26 vessels tracked there and expected to carry out ship-to-ship transfers at an anchorage off Malaysia, according to the report.
 

Iran and Oman propose temporary Strait of Hormuz deal

Iran and Oman outlined a proposal Tuesday to jointly establish a temporary shipping channel through the Strait of Hormuz, according to regional officials, after weeks of fraught discussions between the two countries.

Tehran and Muscat discussed a “phased framework” for a joint project facilitating a “temporary shipping corridor” and to “clear mines,” a press statement from the Iranian and Omani foreign ministries said.

Officials will carry on talks “with the aim of reaching agreement on a permanent shipping corridor and the future administration of the Strait,” the statement added.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi visited Iran and held consultations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the state-run Oman News Agency (ONA) reported earlier.

After the meeting, the Omani foreign minister said he was “hopeful” both nations would “soon announce a temporary corridor” for the strait. “Future management of the Strait and a permanent solution will follow in due course,” he posted on X.

 

 

Iran says Oman understanding bars military vessels from Hormuz route

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said an understanding with Oman would allow only commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, saying “no military vessel will be allowed to pass,” in an interview with state television Tuesday.

“Under the understanding, the inbound route to the Persian Gulf will be through Iranian waters and the outbound route through Omani territorial waters, and on both routes ships will pass through Iranian waters,” he added.

Gharibabadi said the route would be temporary and that Iran and Oman would negotiate a new permanent route within 30 to 60 days to replace the previous maritime traffic scheme.

 

Turkiye faces gas supply risk as US targets Iran trade: Bloomberg

Turkiye could lose a significant source of natural gas if the United States follows through on threats to economically isolate Iran, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Turkiye sourced about 13% of its natural gas imports from Iran last year, or 7.7 billion cubic meters, according to data from Turkey’s energy regulator, making Iran its fourth-largest supplier after Russia, Azerbaijan and the United States.

Gas flows from Iran have continued despite the war, aside from a brief interruption following an attack on the South Pars gas field, Bloomberg reported.

Bilateral trade stood at about $3.1 billion in the first half of 2026, down 3% from a year earlier, according to Turkish trade data.
 

Iranian speaker ridicules US 'Economic D-Day' campaign

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked the US campaign against Iran on Tuesday, ridiculing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s description of the new sanctions drive as an “Economic D-Day” and questioning Washington’s stated concern about disrupting the global financial system.

“Him: “Economic D-Day.” Also him, five seconds later: “ why would I want to blow up the global financial system?” Sir this ain’t Normandy, this is improv night and you forgot your own script,” Ghalibaf posted on X.
 

UK backs further economic pressure on Iran, supports US campaign

Britain will continue working with the United States and other partners to increase economic pressure on Iran and has imposed more than 240 sanctions since taking office, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said in a statement Tuesday.

Healey said Britain supported US efforts to secure a diplomatic solution and welcomed increased pressure on Tehran, including through Operation Economic Outcast.

“We will continue to work with partners to protect our interests, take the necessary steps to re-open the Strait and counter Iran’s dangerous activity,” he said.

Healey called on Iran to cease its destabilizing activity across the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, and to engage in diplomatic talks “in good faith.”
 

Iran says regional solutions stressed in Pakistan, Oman talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with Pakistani and Omani officials had emphasized regional solutions to current tensions.

“Iran’s commitment to peace and stability is matched by steadfast diplomacy with our neighbors,” Araghchi wrote in a post on X Tuesday.

He said a proposed framework for a new corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, joint mine-clearing and future management of the strait was “a case in point.”
 

Trump says all mines removed from Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has claimed that all mines have been cleared or detonated in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US Navy had warned Iran that any vessel attempting to lay new mines would be “immediately and systematically destroyed”.

He said the US Space Force was monitoring every part of the strategic waterway, as well as Pickaxe Mountain and three other nuclear sites that he said had already been destroyed.

Trump also reiterated that a “zero-tolerance policy” was in place against any further mine-laying in the Strait. 

No talks with Iran underway or planned, White House official says

A White House official has said the United States currently has no talks or discussions underway with Iran, nor are any scheduled, according to Al Jazeera Arabic.

The official reiterated President Donald Trump’s position that Washington is not engaged in negotiations with Tehran.

The official also said the US naval blockade remains firmly in place, while the Strait of Hormuz is open and operational.

The source added that sea mines in the strategic waterway had been removed or destroyed.