This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments
- US-Iran deal must ‘reflect interests of all parties’: Lavrov
- Pakistan, UK Discuss Regional Peace Amid US-Iran Developments: FO
- Israel says ready to attack Iran for 'third time if necessary'
- Jordan's military says intercepted 8 missiles fired from Iran
- Iran official says US strike targeted perimeter of nuclear plant: state media
Saudi Arabia, US discuss Washington-Tehran talks and regional security
Published: July 10, 2026 | 23:06 GMT | by Wed Desk
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a phone call from US President Donald Trump, the Saudi Press Agency said.
According to the statement, the two leaders reviewed cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States and ways to strengthen it in various fields.
The statement said they also discussed a number of regional and international issues and shared views on them.
It added that the two leaders reviewed current developments in the region, including the talks between the United States and Iran emphasizing the importance of ensuring maritime navigation security, protecting sea lanes, and supporting efforts that contribute to regional security and stability.
Gharibabadi calls US export control move an 'Abu Dhabi scandal document'
Published: July 10, 2026 | 18:57 GMT | by Wed Desk
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said the US Department of Commerce has released "a new document" easing export control regulations and elevating the UAE's export status in return for its support of “military aggression against Iran.”
Gharibabadi on his X said the document is "an official admission from Washington and an Abu Dhabi scandal document, carrying direct international responsibility and legal consequences."
He added, "The UAE must be held accountable."
US sanctions Iranian financial facilitator and exchange houses
Published: July 10, 2026 | 19:52 GMT | by Wed Desk
The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on an Iranian financial facilitator following the resumption of attacks as the Middle East crisis escalates.
According to the Treasury Department, the sanctioned individual "has effectively institutionalized large-scale embezzlement within the Iranian regime, diverting publicly funded wealth offshore."
The Treasury Department also said OFAC targeted key Iranian exchange houses that move billions of dollars annually on behalf of sanctioned Iranian banks.
PM Sharif, Qatari emir speak
Published: July 10, 2026 | 18:15 GMT | by Web Desk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday he held a telephone conversation with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed their commitment to diplomacy.
In a post on X, PM Sharif said he conveyed Pakistan's "solidarity with the brotherly people of Qatar" and stressed "the need for restraint, dialogue and diplomacy to preserve regional peace" amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The prime minister also thanked the Qatari leader for Doha's "steadfast support for peace efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," describing the agreement as a product of close regional cooperation aimed at ending the Iran-US conflict.
PM Sharif said he and the Qatari emir reaffirmed their "shared commitment to advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the region," as Pakistan and Qatar continue coordinating diplomatic efforts to preserve the gains achieved through the Islamabad MoU.
PM Sharif, President Pezeshkian discuss regional peace
Published: July 10, 2026 | 18:02 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation on Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region and underscored the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability, the Prime Minister Office said.
“He called on Iran and all other parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardize the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months,” the statement added.
PM Sharif stressed the importance of upholding the commitments undertaken under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.
The prime minister reaffirmed Islamabad steadfast commitment to regional peace assuring Pezeshkian of Pakistan's readiness to continue playing an honest and sincere role in facilitating dialogue and supporting all efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability.
“President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” it added.
Pezeshkian appreciating the Pakistan constructive support sincere efforts for regional stability, reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to peace.
“The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across diverse fields,” it added.
PM Sharif conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes for Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.
Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is the current supreme leader of Iran after former supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed alongside close family members on the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
During the conversation, both dignitaries agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.
Egypt, Qatar call for restart of US-Iran talks: Cairo
Published: July 10, 2026 | 16:00 GMT | by AFP
Egyptian and Qatari foreign ministers on Friday called on the United States and Iran to resume negotiations, as US President Donald Trump said Washington had agreed to continue talks with Tehran but repeated that the ceasefire between the two countries was over.
During a phone call, Egypt's Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani "urged all parties to give priority to the language of diplomacy and dialogue and to return to the negotiating table", Egypt's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Qatar delegation in Iran for talks after Hormuz attacks: local media
Published: July 10, 2026 | 15:30 GMT | by AFP
A delegation from mediator Qatar arrived in Iran on Friday for talks, local media reported, as hostilities resumed between Washington and Tehran this week following attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
"The main purpose of the visit is reportedly to try to reinforce Qatar's role as a mediator following events on Tuesday," Tasnim news agency reported, after Doha accused Iran of an attack on an LNG carrier, with two other tankers also hit in the strait.
Trump says US agrees to more Iran talks but ceasefire 'over'
Published: July 10, 2026 | 14:52 GMT | by AFP
President Donald Trump said Friday the United States has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran but reiterated that the ceasefire between the two countries is finished.
"Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Israeli attack hits car in southern Lebanon
Published: July 10, 2026 | 13:07 GMT | by Web Desk
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency is reporting that an Israeli drone carried out a double-tap strike on a car travelling on the Doha Road in the town of Kfar Reman, AL Jazeera reported.
IEA expects oil demand to increase by 2M barrels per day in 2027
Published: July 10, 2026 | 10:43 GMT | by Web Desk
Global oil demand is showing signs of recovery after reaching its lowest level in May, supported by seasonal consumption patterns and the gradual restoration of supplies from the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera.
Despite the improvement, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that demand will decline by roughly one million barrels per day over 2026.
The agency expects the contraction to slow in the second half of the year, with consumption returning to growth in the final quarter.
The IEA forecasts that global oil demand will increase by two million barrels per day in 2027.
Lebanese president, army chief discuss Israeli attacks
Published: July 10, 2026 | 10:21 GMT | by Web Desk
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held talks with army chief Rodolphe Haykal regarding “the security situation in the country in general and in the south in particular, in light of the ongoing Israeli attacks on a number of southern villages and towns”, Al Jazeera reported, quoting the president’s office.
It said “The discussion also addressed the ongoing preparations to implement what is contained in the framework formula in the designated experimental areas, where the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy concurrently with the Israeli withdrawal,” in a post shared on X.
The direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, which started in April, were brokered by the United States. Washington is also a signatory to the agreement, which is officially trilateral.
IEA says global oil demand picks up despite war fears
Published: July 10, 2026 | 08:27 GMT | by AFP
The International Energy Agency said Friday that "a recovery" in global oil demand had started as supplies tentatively start moving through the strategic Strait of Hormuz again and prices ease.
"A recovery in world oil demand is underway, with consumption set to rise from its May nadir," the IEA's monthly report said.
The agency revised its forecast for demand through 2026 to be one million barrels a day lower than last year because of the Middle East war, against the 1.1 million fall predicted in its last report.
"Global oil supply rebounded by a sharp 4.1 million barrels a day (mbd) to 98.8 mbd in June, as a resumption of flows through the Strait of Hormuz underpinned a partial recovery in Gulf production. World output was nevertheless some 9.4 mb/d below pre-war levels," it said.
Six Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza
Published: July 10, 2026 | 07:59 GMT | by Web Desk
Israeli air strikes and gunfire across Gaza have left at least six people dead, Al Jazeera reported quoting Gaza's Civil Defense agency and health authorities, as hostilities persist despite a United States-mediated ceasefire intended for the Palestinian territory.
On Thursday, a drone strike carried out by Israel on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed two people and injured several others, the Civil Defense agency reported.
Four additional people were killed in separate Israeli attacks elsewhere across the enclave.
UK's Andy Burnham apologizes for response to Israel’s Gaza violence
Published: July 10, 2026 | 07:29 GMT | by Web Desk
Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister, has expressed regret over the Labour Party’s early reaction to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, admitting that “we got it wrong” and urging additional sanctions against those responsible for violence in the besieged territory, according to Al Jazeera.
In a video message shared on X on Thursday, Burnham said, “Many people feel that at the start of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, my party didn’t get it right and I am sorry about that.”
He added, “The response has not been good enough. We needed to be better”.
Burnham also noted that the UK had taken several measures, including recognizing the state of Palestine, sanctioning Israeli far-right ministers, and introducing multiple rounds of restrictions targeting violent settlers.
“But let’s be honest: The UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire, and we must now do more to strengthen our approach,” he said.
Iran president expresses gratitude for Iraqis for hosting funeral ceremonies
Published: July 10, 2026 | 05:31 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude for the people of Iraq for hosting funeral ceremonies for the assassinated supreme leader of Iran Ali Khamenei.
"Gratitude to the Government and People of Iraq for Hosting the Funeral Ceremonies of the Martyred Leader," said a post shared by the Iranian president on X on Friday.
Iran media say 43M people attended Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies
Published: July 10, 2026 | 05:25 GMT | by Web Desk
An estimated 41 to 43 million people took part in the six-day funeral ceremonies for Iran’s assassinated Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, Al Jazeera reported, quoting Iranian media.
The funeral was “the largest procession the world has ever witnessed”, according to state-run Press TV.
Memorial events were held in five cities: Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad.
The official state funeral commenced last Saturday, with tens of thousands of mourners gathering at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, where Khamenei’s coffin was displayed for the public.
Khamenei was laid to rest at Iran’s most sacred Shia shrine more than four months after he was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike on his compound in central Tehran.
Technical-level talks with Iran continue, US official says
Published: July 10, 2026 | 04:55 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump met with his senior national security advisers on Thursday afternoon to discuss rising tensions with Iran and possible next steps, according to Axios.
Following the meeting, a US official said the administration remains committed to reaching a resolution, adding that technical-level negotiations on a nuclear agreement are ongoing.
Thursday developments at a glance
Published: July 10, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk
Fresh US-Iran military exchanges, renewed diplomatic efforts and the burial of Iran's assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dominated developments on Thursday, testing the fragile diplomatic momentum established under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The United States carried out another round of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, with US Central Command saying the operation targeted Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities reported strikes near Bushehr, including around the country's only civilian nuclear power plant, while Tehran said 14 people had been killed and 78 wounded during two days of US attacks.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked facilities across the Gulf. Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles fired from Iran, Kuwait reported intercepting missiles and drones while confirming one injury, and air raid sirens again sounded in Bahrain as explosions were heard over Manama.
Diplomatic efforts continued alongside the fighting. Qatar's prime minister held separate conversations with Iran's foreign minister and the UAE's deputy prime minister, stressing the need to uphold dialogue and implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said any future US-Iran agreement must reflect the interests of all affected countries rather than only the principal parties to the conflict.
Pakistan also remained diplomatically engaged.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the evolving regional situation with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, highlighting Islamabad's mediation efforts in support of dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, while the British envoy appreciated Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed continued coordination during a telephone conversation on developments in the Gulf, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel was prepared to strike Iran "a third time if necessary."
The day concluded with Iran burying assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his hometown of Mashhad, bringing six days of state funeral ceremonies to a close. Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli strike on Feb. 28, an attack that triggered the months-long regional conflict before diplomacy under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding steered Washington and Tehran back to negotiations.
For earlier developments, read our July 9 live blog here