Middle East Roundup, July 7: Riyadh condemns 'Iran's targeting' of Saudi tanker in Hormuz Strait

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

• Lebanese president calls Israeli occupation a barrier to peace
• Iran accuses Germany of complicity over Strait of Hormuz remarks
• UN hails 'any step that contributes' to Gaza truce 
• Hamas announces dissolution of Gaza governing body
• Iranian army chief says Tehran will not abandon quest for justice

Iran FM says US attacks violate treaty, warns of 'decisive' action: state media

Published: July 7, 2026 | 22:50 GMT | by AFP

Iran's foreign ministry said Tuesday the United States has repeatedly violated their agreed memorandum of understanding and warned of retaliation following Washington's strikes on targets in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran is issuing a serious warning about the consequences of America's breach of the treaty, and will take decisive measures to protect its interests and national security," the ministry said in a statement posted to Telegram by IRIB News.

Iran reports explosions on sites around Strait of Hormuz: state media

Published: July 7, 2026 | 22:46 GMT | by AFP

Iranian state media on Tuesday reported a series of explosions heard in the Strait of Hormuz region, moments after US officials announced "powerful" strikes on Iran.

IRIB news reported six explosions were heard on the Iranian island of Qeshm, seven explosions were heard in the city of Sirik and more were heard in the major port city of Bandar Abbas.

CENTCOM says US launches strikes against Iran after attacks on commercial vessels

Published: July 7, 2026 | 22:15 GMT | by Web Desk

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces have begun launching a series of strikes against Iran, describing them as aimed at imposing heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.

According to the statement, the strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said Iran's actions were unwarranted, dangerous, and constituted a clear violation of the ceasefire.

Iran calls Qatar accusations over LNG tanker attack 'unacceptable'

Published: July 7, 2026 | 21:07 GMT | by AFP

Iran condemned Qatar for accusations that it was behind an attack on one of the Gulf emirate's vessels after Doha said Tehran had targeted a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker off the coast of Oman.

"Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Qatar's accusations against Iran over the alleged attack on a vessel linked to the country in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday were questionable and contrary to the principle of good neighbourliness, describing them as unacceptable," state news agency IRNA reported.

Riyadh condemns 'Iran's targeting' of Saudi tanker in Hormuz Strait

Published: July 7, 2026 | 20:31 GMT | by AFP

Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for an attack Tuesday on one of its tankers as it transited the Strait of Hormuz after Qatar issued a similar condemnation for another attack it accused Tehran of committing.

The Saudi foreign ministry denounced in a statement "Iran's targeting of the Saudi tanker Wedyan while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the targeting of the Qatari tanker Al-Rekayyat."

Body of Iran's Khamenei arrives in Iraq before procession: state media

Published: July 7, 2026 | 19:09 GMT | by AFP

The body of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei arrived at Najaf international airport in Iraq on Tuesday night, Iraqi state media reported, ahead of funeral processions in the country's holy cities which are home to the shrines most revered by Shia Muslims.

Iran began six days of public funeral ceremonies for Khamenei on Saturday, including a dedicated day to neighbouring Iraq -- a Shia powerhouse with close ties to Tehran.

Khamenei, killed on the first day of the Middle East war in US-Israeli strikes, will be buried on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad in northeast Iran.

Israel demolishes six Palestinian houses in occupied West Bank

Published: July 7, 2026 | 17:02 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli occupation forces have destroyed at least six houses and a shelter tent owned by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera reported.

Palestinian officials and witnesses said two houses that were being built in Shuqba, west of Ramallah, were demolished by Israeli bulldozers, according to Al Jazeera.

Trump says 'we will consider' selling F-35s to Turkey

Published: July 7, 2026 | 15:15 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey after booting it out of the programme in 2019 over Ankara's purchase of a Russian system.

"That's a decision we're going to make... it's a great plane, the best plane by far and it's certainly something we will consider," Trump said, sitting next to Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan after landing in Ankara for a NATO summit.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Washington not to sell the jets to NATO ally Turkey, arguing it would "upset the power balance" in the region.

"I don't think they should be given F-35s or the engines for their fighter jets, because that'll upset the power balance in the Middle East, which is ultimately guaranteed by Israeli air superiority and also by, I think, by America's posture in the Middle East," Netanyahu said on Fox News.

Trump in Ankara says was 'very disappointed' with NATO over Iran

Published: July 7, 2026 | 13:06 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was "very disappointed" by the response of NATO allies in Europe to his war with Iran after arriving in Turkey for the alliance's summit.

"I was very disappointed with NATO," Trump told journalists as he met Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"We didn't need any help at all, and in a way, I was testing people, I was testing to see whether or not they'd be there, because I've long said that we helped them, but I'm not sure that they'd be there for us."

Israeli forces arrest seven fishermen off Gaza coast

Published: July 7, 2026 | 13:06 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli army arrested seven fishermen while they were working off the coast of az-Zawayda town, in the central Gaza Strip, AL Jazeera reported quoting Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Israeli forces intercepted the fishermen at sea west of the town, before arresting them and taking them to an unknown location, local sources were quoted as saying.

Over 1,500 patients have died due to critical shortages in Gaza

Published: July 7, 2026 | 10:07 GMT | by Web Desk

Gaza Health Ministry’s Munir al-Bursh tells Al Jazeera that healthcare facilities are enduring “bitter conditions”, revealing that more than 1,500 patients who needed to be transferred for treatment abroad have died since Israel’s genocidal war began.

“We lose patients every day,” al-Bursh says, adding the ministry has “lost more than 50 percent of kidney patients due to the lack of medical supplies that the occupation has prevented from entering the Strip to this day”.

Iranian lawmaker warns against any unilateral action in Strait of Hormuz

Published: July 7, 2026 | 10:25 GMT | by Web Desk

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, issued the warning after reports of an attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman.

According to the IRIB state broadcaster, Boroujerdi said “any action in the Strait of Hormuz without coordination with Iran is doomed to failure.” He insisted on Iran’s control of the waterway, saying the decision was “made at the highest levels of the system” and influenced by the US-Israel’s latest war against the country.

“The law on the management of the Strait of Hormuz will also be approved by the parliamentarians at the earliest opportunity, and the relevant bodies will be obliged to fully implement its provisions,” Boroujerdi said.

He added that Iran “pursues any action related to the Strait of Hormuz within the framework of its national interests and security”.

Gas prices rise after attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz

Published: July 7, 2026 | 09:39 GMT | by Web Desk

European natural gas and oil prices have risen following reports that an LNG carrier was attacked near the Omani coast while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

European benchmark natural gas prices rose more than 4.5%, reaching €46 ($52.5) per megawatt-hour as of 07:05 GMT, after recouping losses from the previous session.

Iranian state television, IRIB, reported that the vessel came under attack after allegedly disregarding warnings.

Oil prices also moved higher, with international benchmark Brent crude rising 1.2% towards $73 per barrel, its highest in a week.

Araghchi says negotiations ‘will not commence’ amid threats

Published: July 7, 2026 | 05:34 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that negotiations on a final deal “will not commence” if threats continue, citing paragraph 13 of the MoU with the US.

Araghchi added that “millions of proud Iranians” were gathering for the funerals of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“Neither them nor our Brave Armed Forces are moved by any threats,” he said on X. “Honor your signature,” he added.

Trump says either will make a deal with Iran or will ‘finish the job’

Published: July 7, 2026 | 05:12 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump has said that either Washington was going to make a deal with Iran or it would “finish the job.”

“We're going to win one way or the other,” he said, adding that it would not be tough “to finish the job.” 

However, he added: “I'd rather make a deal because I don't want to affect 91 million people.”

Amnesty condemns ‘terrifying’ treatment of detained Gaza doctor

Published: July 7, 2026 | 04:20 GMT | by Web Desk

Amnesty International’s senior research and advocacy chief, Erika Guevara Rosas, has denounced what she called the “terrifying” treatment of Palestinian physician Abu Safia while in Israeli detention. 

Posting on X, Rosas cited the doctor’s lawyer, who alleges Abu Safia has endured torture, severe abuse and prolonged solitary confinement — conditions that, she warned, place his life at “imminent risk.”

Rosas argued that a doctor who stayed to care for patients during what she described as Israel’s “Gaza genocide” should never have been jailed, and she urged his immediate release. She also warned that the international community cannot stay silent while his life hangs in the balance.

US congresswoman calls for Block the Bombs Act over Palestinian doctor's detention

Published: July 7, 2026 | 03:27 GMT | by Web Desk

US Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez has called for the passage of her proposed Block the Bombs Act, citing the reported condition of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya.

In a post on X, Ramirez said Abu Safiya, whom she described as a prominent Palestinian doctor, has been detained for 18 months without charge or trial and is reportedly in critical condition after being beaten by Israeli soldiers.

"We must put an end to the impunity and violations of U.S. and international law. We must defend our shared humanity," she wrote, urging support for the Block the Bombs Act.

Oil tanker hit by 'unknown projectile' in Strait of Hormuz region: maritime agency

Published: July 7, 2026 | 00:11 GMT | by AFP

An "unknown projectile" struck and caused a fire on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, British maritime security agency UKMTO said.

"A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound," UKMTO said, adding that there were no reports of casualties or environmental impact.

Lebanese president calls Israeli occupation a barrier to peace

Published: July 6, 2026 | 22:30 GMT | by Web Desk

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says continued “Israeli occupation prevents the deployment of the army and is not in the interest of achieving our goals and those of Washington”, Al-Jazeera reported.

Aoun made the comments as Israeli air strikes continued in southern Lebanon, killing at least four people, including a married couple, it added.

“There is no place for civil war in Lebanon despite some attempts to incite strife,” he said.

Egypt coach Hassan says Palestinian suffering 'a shame on the world'

Published: July 6, 2026 | 23:43 GMT | by AFP

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said at the World Cup on Monday that the suffering of the Palestinian people was a "shame on the world" as he called on football to do more to come to their aid.

Hassan waved a Palestinian flag after the Pharaohs beat Australia on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16, where they will meet defending champions Argentina on Tuesday.

"If there is someone who has not felt the suffering of the Palestinian people then he or she has no humanity," Hassan said in a lengthy address to a question on the subject at his pre-match press conference in Atlanta.

"I would like to say this is a shame on us. A shame on the entire world, not just the Arab world, a shame on everyone and a shame on first of all decision makers who leave human beings behind."

Iran accuses Germany of complicity over Strait of Hormuz remarks

Published: July 6, 2026 | 21:47 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran has sharply criticized Germany after German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Tehran should ultimately bear the costs of any international operation to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the remarks, describing the German minister's rhetoric as "utterly shameful" and accusing Berlin of distorting reality. In a strongly worded statement, Baghaei said Germany must be held accountable for what he called its "complicity in military aggression against Iran" and alleged role in an "illegal war" against the country.

Invoking Faust by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Baghaei compared Germany's position to "Mephistopheles," saying Berlin's stance reflected a "grotesque distortion of reality." He further asserted that "no amount of offensive posturing" would allow Germany to escape responsibility for its alleged role in aggression and war crimes against the Iranian people.

Hamas announces dissolution of Gaza governing body

Published: July 6, 2026 | 10:43 GMT | by  AFP

Palestinian movement Hamas announced Monday the dissolution of the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, clearing the way for a technocratic committee to implement civilian rule.

The move marks a significant political shift by Hamas, which has run Gaza since 2007 after winning legislative elections the previous year.

Since a ceasefire took effect in Gaza last October between Hamas and Israel, the group has repeatedly said it is prepared to step aside from day-to-day governance, but the thorny issue of its disarmament remains unresolved.

"The head of the government's emergency committee Mohammed al-Farra has officially submitted his resignation," Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Hamas' government media office told AFP.

"He has also decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)."

The NCAG was created by the Board of Peace that US President Donald Trump established when he brokered the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in October 2025.

"Hamas has taken a new step in that it will no longer be in charge of the Gaza Strip, in order to remove any pretexts for the occupation, which continues its aggression and war of extermination," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP.

 For earlier developments, read our July 6 live blog here