US-Israel War on Iran

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    Six Palestinians killed, 37 injured in fresh Gaza …

    GAZA: At least six Palestinians have been killed and 37 others injured in fresh Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, adding to the mounting toll since the ceasefire in October 2025. The latest casualties were reported as attacks continued to affect different parts of the besieged territory. The deaths and injuries have once again raised concerns over the fragile situation in Gaza, where civilians continue to face the consequences of the prolonged conflict. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,000 wounded since the ceasefire began in October 2025. The ministry said that more than 800 bodies have also been recovered from various locations since the ceasefire. The figures highlight the scale of the devastation and the continuing challenges faced by emergency teams searching affected areas. The latest violence comes despite the ceasefire that was expected to reduce bloodshed and provide relief to Gaza’s population. The renewed casualties have added further uncertainty to an already fragile situation. Meanwhile, tensions have also continued in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities said 66 Palestinians were arrested in different parts of the territory. The developments come as the humanitarian situation remains a major concern, with communities in Gaza continuing to deal with the aftermath of months of fighting, widespread destruction and loss of life. For families in the territory, every new round of violence brings fresh fear and uncertainty. The latest deaths have once again put the spotlight on the fragile ceasefire and the urgent need to prevent further escalation. As the death toll continues to rise, attention remains focused on whether diplomatic efforts can restore lasting calm and protect civilians caught in the conflict.

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    US forces disable two ships amid rising tensions i…

    WASHINGTON: Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after the United States said its forces had disabled two commercial vessels that failed to comply with orders linked to its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade as of July 25. Two ships that allegedly refused to comply were disabled, while two others were boarded to verify compliance. The latest development adds another layer of uncertainty to maritime traffic through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, where any disruption can have consequences for global energy and shipping markets. CENTCOM said the Mozambique-flagged M/T Lavine was disabled in the Gulf of Oman on July 24 after its crew allegedly attempted several times to violate the blockade and ignored repeated warnings. According to the US military, the vessel had been heading towards Iran but is no longer travelling to an Iranian port. The US military also reported a separate operation involving the Comoros-flagged M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea. American forces boarded the tanker on July 25 for verification. After the inspection, the vessel was allowed to continue its journey, according to CENTCOM. CENTCOM has described the naval blockade as remaining fully in effect, saying its forces are continuing to monitor commercial shipping and enforce restrictions on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports. The confrontation comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and growing concerns over the security of maritime routes around the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a crucial passage for international trade and energy shipments, making military activity in the area particularly sensitive. The US claims its measures are aimed at preventing vessels from violating the blockade, while Iran has continued to challenge restrictions on shipping in the region. The latest incidents could further complicate efforts to maintain safe commercial navigation. With American forces increasing enforcement and vessels facing greater scrutiny, shipping companies operating near the region are likely to remain on high alert. For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint, with every confrontation at sea carrying the risk of a broader escalation.

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    Iran, Oman make progress on Strait of Hormuz shipping talks

    Iran and Oman have reported progress in discussions aimed at ensuring safer shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said senior officials from both countries held talks in Tehran over two days to discuss arrangements for managing maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. According to Baghaei, the discussions focused on common principles and practical measures to maintain safe shipping while respecting the sovereignty of Iran and Oman, the two countries bordering the strait. He described the talks as useful and said progress had been made. Further political and technical consultations are expected to continue between the two sides. Baghaei also said there had been no change in the current traffic situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The development comes as tensions remain high between Iran, the United States and Israel. The waterway has become a major focus of the conflict because it is a critical route for global energy shipments. Iranian army spokesman General Abolfazl Shekarchi separately claimed that Washington had failed to achieve its objectives in the Strait of Hormuz and in weakening Iran. He described the situation for the United States as “chaotic and undesirable” and said Washington was apparently considering a new strategy. Shekarchi also suggested that any possible US withdrawal from the conflict could depend on Israel’s approval. Meanwhile, tensions have spread beyond the immediate battlefield. Iran summoned Ukrainian diplomats after Kyiv reportedly struck an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing at least one sailor and injuring another. Ukraine said the operation targeted Russian vessels allegedly carrying military cargo linked to Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also accused Russia of supporting Iran during the ongoing conflict.

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    Qatar restores maritime traffic after two-week suspension

    Qatar has fully resumed maritime navigation for all types of vessels after a two-week suspension imposed amid heightened security tensions in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Transport Ministry announced that maritime activities would resume from Sunday. It urged shipping companies, vessel operators and other concerned parties to follow safety regulations and official instructions to ensure safe voyages. The ministry did not provide further details about the reasons behind the decision. Qatar had suspended maritime navigation on July 12 as regional tensions intensified. It had earlier halted maritime traffic on June 29 before partially restoring operations on July 5. The conflict also prompted several shipping companies to advise vessels to remain outside the Strait of Hormuz because of security concerns. Meanwhile, Iran said it had made progress in talks with Oman on arrangements for safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said officials from the two countries held discussions in Tehran on Friday and Saturday. The talks focused on common principles and practical mechanisms for ensuring the safe movement of ships through the strategic waterway. Baqaei described the discussions as productive and said progress had been achieved. He added that technical and political consultations between the two countries would continue. Iran also said there had been no change in the existing maritime traffic situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains a key route for international energy and commercial shipments, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for global trade. At the same time, Iranian military officials claimed that Tehran had targeted US military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain during retaliatory operations. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Akraminia said Iran had taken action after accusing Washington of violating previous commitments related to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian army spokesman General Abolfazl Shekarchi also claimed that the United States had failed to achieve its objectives against Iran. He described the situation as difficult for Washington and said the US was looking for a new strategy. Iranian officials further claimed that US military infrastructure in Iraq’s Erbil suffered extensive damage during the conflict. Tehran has warned that its military operations could resume if hostilities escalate again. The United States, meanwhile, says its naval blockade against Iran remains in effect. US Central Command said American forces had redirected several commercial vessels accused of attempting to breach the blockade. It also reported disabling two vessels and boarding others to verify compliance. One oil tanker was inspected in the Arabian Sea before continuing its journey, while another vessel was reportedly disabled in the Gulf of Oman after allegedly ignoring repeated warnings. The US actions have added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. Kuwait has rejected reports that it participated in military operations against Iran. Kuwait’s ambassador to the United States said her country had not taken part in attacks against Tehran and had not allowed its territory, airspace or territorial waters to be used for offensive operations. Kuwait has also condemned attacks against shipping in the Red Sea. Its Foreign Ministry described such attacks as a threat to maritime security, international trade and freedom of navigation. Kuwait expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed measures taken by Riyadh to protect its security and interests. The latest Red Sea tensions followed the Houthis’ announcement of a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia subsequently launched strikes against Houthi-held areas, while the Houthis later claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has meanwhile warned countries supporting US military operations against Tehran. An IRGC spokesperson said countries cooperating with Washington could become targets and specifically referred to Britain and Gulf states. US President Donald Trump has also reportedly paused plans for further strikes against Iran after nearly two weeks of military action. Reports suggested concerns over the availability of US air defence supplies in the region were among the factors behind the decision. The reported pause could provide additional space for diplomatic efforts, although it remains unclear whether it represents a temporary break or a broader halt to US strikes. US forces are reportedly maintaining contingency plans should major military operations resume.

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    Israeli settlers torch two mosques in West Bank as…

    WEST BANK: Two mosques were set ablaze in the occupied West Bank overnight, Palestinian officials said on Sunday, in the latest escalation of violence that has sharply raised tensions across the territory. The attacks targeted a mosque under construction in Qusra, south of Nablus, and another mosque in the village of Kour, near Tulkarm. The incidents came only days after a deadly confrontation in the nearby village of Tal that left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead. In Qusra, Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said settlers set fire to the mosque’s entrance and damaged parts of its stonework. Hebrew graffiti, including the word “revenge,” was reportedly sprayed across the walls. The Israeli military said troops were sent to the area after receiving reports of the fire. According to the army, the suspected attackers had already fled when soldiers arrived. Israeli police were expected to collect evidence and investigate the incident. The second attack took place in Kour, where Palestinian officials said a mosque was set alight and racist slogans were written on its walls. Worshippers and local residents managed to prevent the fire from causing further destruction, according to reports. The mosque attacks have added another disturbing chapter to a widening cycle of violence in the West Bank, where clashes, arson attacks and raids have intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023. The latest incidents also follow a deadly confrontation in Tal on Friday, where four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed. The aftermath has triggered further arrests, raids and attacks in surrounding Palestinian communities. With tensions already running high, the torching of places of worship has raised fresh fears that the latest violence could fuel further retaliation and deepen an already volatile situation across the occupied territory.

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    Iran’s Supreme leader sets ‘Primary Conditions’ for ending war with US

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has declared that the “preservation of Lebanon’s territorial integrity and the absolute, unconditional termination of the Zionist regime’s aggression are the primary conditions for any agreement to end the imposed war against the aggressive US” . In a letter to Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, the Iranian leader described Hezbollah as standing “like an unyielding rock as the forerunner of groups engaged in jihad against the savage aggression of the Zionist regime and its supporters” . He also affirmed that the Islamic Republic considers the defense of Hezbollah fighters to be its “strategic mandate” . The remarks came as part of a wider diplomatic backdrop, with a trilateral framework agreement signed by the US, Israel, and Lebanon on June 26 establishing a process for the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its infrastructure in exchange for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory . The Khamenei statement follows the June 15 finalization of an Iran-US memorandum of understanding, which brought a permanent halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and ended the US naval blockade against Iran . The new trilateral framework agreement has been described by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a “first step” on a difficult journey, with a “trust, but verify” mechanism requiring Lebanon to demonstrate that it can effectively rein in Hezbollah . However, the agreement has faced opposition from within Lebanon. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah warned that Lebanese authorities would not be able to enforce the disarmament commitments without triggering conflict, stating that Hezbollah would “hold on to its weapons even more” . Netanyahu has previously claimed that Israeli forces have pushed Hezbollah back 5 to 8 miles from the border and destroyed approximately 94 percent of its missile arsenal . Nevertheless, with Hezbollah and its Iranian backers setting firm conditions and opposing the framework’s core terms, the path to a final resolution remains fraught with challenges.

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    Iran ready for talks with US as Tehran sends message through Pakistan

    Iran has reportedly conveyed to Pakistan that it is willing to resume negotiations with the United States, opening a possible new chapter in diplomatic efforts between the two countries, according to a report by Arab media. Sources cited in the report claimed that Tehran has informed Islamabad about its readiness to continue talks with Washington at possible venues including Geneva, Doha, or Islamabad. The discussions, according to the report, would proceed under the framework of a memorandum of understanding. The reported message suggests that Iran wants negotiations to be conducted in phases. According to sources, the first phase would focus on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, followed by discussions on frozen assets and later the nuclear program. The report further claimed that Iran has rejected any initiative aimed at creating a new route or corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways for energy transportation. Earlier, Iran and the United States had reportedly moved toward direct diplomatic engagement after signing an understanding in Islamabad on June 17, 2026. The agreement paved the way for high-level talks, including a meeting in Switzerland after decades without direct negotiations between the two sides. Representatives from Pakistan and Qatar were also present during earlier diplomatic efforts. Pakistan played a role in facilitating communication, while Qatar hosted one round of discussions in Doha. However, the negotiation process later faced setbacks after both sides accused each other of violating commitments and military tensions escalated. Former US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials blamed each other for the collapse of the dialogue process. Despite the tensions, both sides have indicated that diplomacy remains a possible path toward resolving disputes. Iran has maintained that it is open to negotiations but has rejected what it describes as pressure or threats. If confirmed, the reported Iranian message could mark a renewed opportunity for dialogue and place Pakistan in an important diplomatic role between Tehran and Washington.

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    US-Iran strikes pause as diplomacy gains ground

    The United States and Iran have temporarily halted their latest military strikes, creating a fresh opportunity for diplomatic efforts to end the growing conflict. The pause followed nearly two weeks of repeated US airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks. US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to further bombing, while Tehran also suspended its military response for the time being. The development has raised hopes that Washington and Tehran could return to negotiations. However, officials on both sides have warned that the situation remains fragile and could deteriorate quickly if military action resumes. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the decision was intended to provide more space for diplomacy. He indicated that Washington wanted negotiations to have a chance before considering further military escalation. Reports from US media also suggested that concerns about the availability of missile-defence systems played a role in the decision. American officials have reportedly been assessing supplies of Patriot interceptors and other defensive weapons amid fears that a prolonged conflict could put additional pressure on US military resources. The pause has also encouraged regional mediation. Pakistan and Qatar have reportedly increased communication between Washington and Tehran as they seek to help both sides reach an understanding. Sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts said a joint proposal calls on the United States and Iran to return to positions held before July 9. The move could create conditions for the resumption of direct or indirect negotiations. Iranian officials confirmed that messages were still being exchanged with Washington through intermediaries. Tehran has also continued discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the diplomatic activity, the conflict remains highly volatile. Fighting has spread beyond direct US-Iran confrontations, affecting regional shipping, military bases and Gulf states. Iranian military officials have warned that the conflict could expand if American strikes restart. At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed attacks on Saudi energy facilities following Saudi strikes against Houthi positions. Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted ballistic missiles and a drone over Yanbu. Another incident was reported in the Strait of Hormuz, where an oil tanker was said to have exploded after hitting a naval mine outside an Iranian-designated shipping route. Iranian authorities had not immediately confirmed the incident. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Tehran was responsible for the latest escalation between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He also offered Iran’s assistance in facilitating dialogue between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

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    Iran rejects US control over war’s end as Hormuz tensions persist

    TEHRAN: Iran has rejected any suggestion that Washington will decide how the conflict ends, while diplomatic efforts over the Strait of Hormuz continue amid a fragile pause in US-Iran military strikes. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said some Gulf countries had been involved in the conflict alongside the United States. He did not identify the countries or provide further details. Baghaei said Tehran would not allow the United States to determine the outcome of the war. He also said Iran had not requested a return to direct negotiations with Washington. He said discussions with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz had been positive. However, he stressed that the waterway remained closed and there had been no change in the situation. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main flashpoints in the conflict. It is a crucial route for global energy shipments, making any disruption a major concern for oil markets and international trade. Iranian state media also reported that six vessels were intercepted after attempting to use what Tehran described as an unsafe and unauthorised route through the southern part of the strait. According to the report, the vessels had switched off their navigation systems. One vessel suffered an accident, while the others returned towards the Gulf following intervention by Iranian forces. The situation has also affected shipping activity in other regional waterways. Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has slowed following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea coast. Shipping data showed that only a limited number of commodity vessels crossed the waterway over the weekend. The number of vessels using the Strait of Hormuz also remained unusually low despite the temporary pause in US and Iranian attacks. The slowdown has raised concerns about the wider impact of the conflict on global energy supplies. Oil prices, however, moved lower after Washington and Tehran halted their strikes for the time being. Brent crude fell sharply during Monday trading, while US West Texas Intermediate also declined. The fall reflected hopes that diplomacy could eventually restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has been playing a role in diplomatic efforts between the two sides. An Omani delegation travelled to Tehran to discuss possible arrangements for future management of the strategic waterway. Iran and Oman reportedly differ over how the mechanism should operate. Tehran wants a service fee and greater control over the proposed system, while Oman has suggested a regional arrangement without tolls. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. The meeting is expected to cover regional developments and issues of concern to both countries. Netanyahu’s visit comes as the wider conflict continues to affect security across the Middle East. Trump has also rejected reports that the US military is facing shortages of ammunition. He said the United States has more munitions than any other country and has sufficient supplies for its military needs. However, reports have suggested that US military officials have raised concerns about the strain on weapons stocks following nearly two weeks of sustained attacks on Iran. US officials have reportedly warned that continued large-scale operations could put additional pressure on missile interceptors and other defensive systems deployed across the Middle East. The United States has maintained that its forces remain capable of carrying out their missions. The current pause followed 13 nights of US airstrikes against Iran. Tehran had responded to the attacks with strikes on areas in neighbouring Gulf states that host US military facilities. Iran has now also paused its retaliatory operations. A senior Iranian official said Tehran’s position remains linked to Washington’s actions: if US attacks stop, Iran will also halt its operations. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump paused the campaign to give diplomacy more time. Iran, however, remains deeply sceptical about the development. An Iranian source said Tehran viewed the pause as potentially tactical rather than a genuine shift in Washington’s position. The uncertainty has left many people in Iran worried about whether the fighting could resume.

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    Iran warns Ukraine of response over alleged Caspian Sea attack

    Iranian officials have warned Ukraine that Tehran will not ignore attacks against its interests. The warning came after Iran accused Ukraine of allegedly targeting an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said any action against Iran would carry consequences. He said the United States and Israel were already aware of Iran’s position. Azizi also warned that Ukraine could soon realise that Iran does not leave hostile actions against it unanswered. He said the list of countries making what he described as wrong calculations about Iran’s response was growing. The remarks followed an alleged attack on an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea. Iranian authorities said one crew member was killed and another was injured in the incident. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the reported attack. It also summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires to formally lodge a protest. The incident has raised concerns about the possibility of the wider Middle East conflict creating new tensions involving Ukraine and Iran. The Caspian Sea has now emerged as another area of concern amid the escalating regional disputes. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that a Russian vessel allegedly carrying weapons to Iran had been targeted in the Caspian Sea. Kyiv has previously accused Iran of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. Iran, however, has strongly criticised what it describes as attacks on its territory and interests. Tehran has repeatedly warned that hostile actions could trigger retaliation. Azizi’s latest comments suggest that tensions between Iran and Ukraine could increase following the reported maritime incident. His warning also comes at a time when Iran is already facing heightened military and diplomatic pressure