This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up on Wednesday’s top developments here:
- Qatar discusses latest regional developments with Egypt, Turkiye, Lebanon
- Trump suggests renaming Strait of Hormuz 'Trump Strait'
- Iran security chief says US to face new war strategy after strikes
- Xi says China willing to work with Mideast countries to 'safeguard' shipping: State media
- Pakistan to continue efforts for US-Iran de-escalation: FO
US probing strike on wedding in Iran: JD Vance
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 20:41 GMT | by AFP
US Vice President JD Vance has said that US was probing the strike on a wedding but cast doubt on reports out of Iran.
"I know that we're investigating," Vance told a White House briefing.
"I will say that the Iranian state media has not been a very good scribe about what's happened in the conflict thus far,” Vance said.
“So, I'm extremely skeptical of this," he added.
US VP Vance says Hormuz oil flow 'almost' at pre-war levels
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 18:18 GMT | by AFP
US Vice President JD Vance said Thursday the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz was nearly back to levels seen before the Iran war, adding that Tehran's control of the waterway was "effectively gone."
"If you go back three months ago, how much oil and gas was coming out of the strait under Iranian threats? It was virtually nothing. Now, it's almost back to where it was before the conflict even started," Vance said at a White House briefing.
Iran warns of ‘dark months’ for US economy
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 17:32 GMT | by Web Desk
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned US citizens to prepare for severe economic disruptions, said in a post on X.
"Americans should start thinking about stockpiling gasoline and fuel," Aref stated. "Dark months await the American economy."
He said that the recent wave of US military attacks on Iranian soil permanently altered Tehran's security equations.
"The new crimes committed by the United States against the Iranian nation have changed our security equations and defense doctrine," Aref added.
"From now on, our response will be 'asymmetric,' 'multi-layered,' and 'security-depriving for the aggressor.'"
OIC chief commends Pakistan's mediatory role
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 16:22 GMT | by Web Desk
Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its efforts in “bringing an end” to the Iran conflict, in a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.
“He commended Pakistan’s leadership, including that of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, FM Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for their efforts in bringing an end to the Iran conflict,” the statement said.
“He also congratulated the FM on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, noting its significance for regional peace and security.”
Trump claims US has 'virtually unlimited' stockpiles of ammunition
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 15:40 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington had a “virtually unlimited” stockpile of ammunition in a post on his Truth Social.
“We have virtually unlimited amounts of mid- to high-grade ammunition, far more than we could ever use for this, or for any other war,” Trump wrote.
Iran Guards chief vows to avenge victims killed in wedding strike
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 14:50 GMT | by AFP
Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief Ahmad Vahidi vowed on Thursday to avenge the four people killed at a wedding ceremony in the south.
"The pure blood of these oppressed martyrs... will not go unanswered and will definitely be avenged," Vahidi said in a statement carried by state television.
Iranian authorities said the strike killed at least four people, including a child, and wounded 68 others at the wedding. Iranian officials called the attack a "war crime".
Netanyahu says Iran ‘weaker than ever’
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 13:40 GMT | by AFP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday voiced confidence that Iran's government could soon fall, saying it was weaker than ever as the United States resumed attacks.
"This regime is currently teetering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its survival," Netanyahu said at an event with Israeli military leaders.
"I am convinced that we can remove this threat once and for all -- that is, to overthrow this regime," he said.
Israeli settlers graze sheep on Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 11:04 GMT | by Web Desk
Israeli settlers grazed sheep Thursday on land belonging to Palestinian residents of Al-Maniya, a village southeast of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The head of the Al-Maniya village council told WAFA that the settlers entered the village and took their sheep to an area called Jumla, near a landfill. The animals then grazed on residents’ land, he said.
Kawazba said the incident came amidst an increase in settler attacks in the area. He cited incidents involving residents’ homes, gunfire, damage to water networks and the establishment of an outpost.
WAFA reported that the settlers also damaged several olive trees.
Israeli forces reported operating in several areas of southern Lebanon
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 10:33 GMT | by Web Desk
Israeli forces carried out explosions and artillery fire in several areas of southern Lebanon on Thursday, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported.
In and around the southern coastal city of Tyre, an Israeli drone dropped two sound bombs on the road between Al-Eziya and Al-Mansouri. Artillery fire hit Al-Mansouri, where an Israeli Merkava tank and D9 bulldozer also moved toward the town, the Lebanese news outlet reported.
Explosions were reported in Hadatha and Wadi Baraashit, while Israeli drones flew over the Tyre area at dawn, according to the agency.
Farther inland, in the Hasbaya district near Lebanon’s southeastern border with Israel, an Israeli force entered Halta farm and surrounded several homes. NNA said residents were prevented from leaving after Israeli personnel contacted municipal council member Hatem Abdel Aal and Mukhtar Issa Abdel Aal.
Low-flying Israeli drones reported over southern Lebanon
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 9:48 GMT | by Web Desk
Israeli drones were flying at low altitude over the Zahrani area of southern Lebanon on Thursday, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported.
The flights were reported over Zahrani, a coastal area in southern Lebanon.
The agency gave no further details about the flights or their purpose.
Israeli police arrest suspect in settler attack on flashpoint West Bank village
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 09:32 GMT | by AFP
Israeli police on Thursday arrested a suspect in a weekend attack by Israeli settlers against the West Bank village of Qusra, where Palestinian homes were besieged by settlers last month.
Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the village near Nablus on Saturday, throwing stones at residents and barricading themselves inside a house while Palestinians were inside, prompting the army to intervene.
"The suspect, a 19-year-old resident of the Samaria area (northern West Bank), has been taken for questioning, and during a subsequent court hearing, the police is expected to request an extension of his detention," the police said in a statement.
Arrests of violent Israeli settlers who assault Palestinians are rare, but following the international backlash, the police vowed Thursday it would continue to pursue those responsible.
"The joint investigation team of the police and the ISA (the Shin Bet internal security service) continues its efforts to collect evidence and take testimonies in order to locate and arrest all those who took part in this serious incident," the police said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Saturday's rampage, denouncing "criminal acts of violence".
Violence by Israeli settlers towards Palestinians in the West Bank has persisted for years, often with little or no legal consequence, but recent months have seen a surge in attacks.
More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the Palestinian territory, which are illegal under international law, among some three million Palestinians.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.
According to an AFP tally based on data from the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli forces or settlers have killed at least 1,105 Palestinians in the West Bank, including both militants and civilians, since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Israeli figures show at least 48 Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations during the same period.
Iran's army says attacked US bases in Kuwait, UAE
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 08:38 GMT | by AFP
Iran's army on Thursday said it targeted US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, despite threats of further strikes by US President Donald Trump.
"This morning, 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".
Oil prices fall as Trump signals Iran strikes may be short-lived
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 08:23 GMT | by AFP
Oil prices fell Thursday after President Donald Trump indicated the latest US strikes against Iran may not last long, easing fears of a prolonged disruption to energy supplies and lifting global stocks.
Brent crude fell 0.8% to $94.88 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate dropped 0.7% to $90.35. Both had surged as much as 10% after US strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz triggered retaliatory exchanges.
Trump, asked how long the bombing campaign could continue, told reporters: “I don't think too long.” The Strait of Hormuz carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas, and CNN, citing US officials, reported that the military escorted 40 commercial ships carrying 18 million barrels of crude through the waterway.
US stocks advanced, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.6% to 53,061.95. Asian markets were mixed, with gains in Seoul, Sydney, Singapore, Manila, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta offset by declines in Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
Weaker US data showing private-sector job growth and job openings below expectations also reduced pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.
Investors are awaiting Friday's nonfarm payrolls report and next week's consumer price data ahead of the Federal Reserve's Sept 16 rate decision.
Two Palestinians killed in Israeli gunfire in northern Gaza
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 07:44 GMT | by Web Desk
Two Palestinians were killed and several others wounded Thursday after Israeli forces opened fire on a group of Palestinians in Beit Lahia, a town in the northern Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
Local sources told WAFA that the wounded were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The agency did not provide further details on their conditions.
Trump, UAE president discuss Middle East developments in phone call
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 07:24 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation Thursday, according to the UAE state news agency WAM.
The UAE news outlet reported that the two leaders discussed relations between the US and UAE, and the situation in the Middle East.
The discussion included plans to expand cooperation between Washington and Abu Dhabi, with both sides looking at areas where closer coordination could serve their shared interests.
The leaders also discussed regional developments and ongoing attempts to deal with issues affecting the Middle East, the agency said.
Three Arab men killed in separate shootings in Nazareth
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 06:44 GMT | by Web Desk
Three young Arab men were killed in separate shootings in Nazareth, a predominantly Arab city in northern Israel, within about two hours, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
WAFA reported that the third death was reported early Thursday, after two young men were killed in another shooting in the city.
The deaths bring to 157 the number of people killed this year in Israel's Arab community, according to figures cited by the agency.
The Palestinian news outlet reported that most of the victims were killed by gunfire based on available data. The figures come as Israeli police and the government face criticism over their handling of the killings, with critics saying many cases have not been investigated and those responsible have not been held accountable, according to WAFA.
Israeli forces detain 30 Palestinians in occupied-West Bank raid
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 05:35 GMT | by Web Desk
About 30 Palestinians were detained on Thursday during an Israeli military raid in Idhna, a town west of Hebron in the southern occupied-West Bank, according the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The Palestinian news outlet reported that Israeli forces entered several neighborhoods in Idhna and searched homes. They also caused damage to some of the properties.
The detainees were taken to the home of the family of Muhannad Al-Saud, where they were subjected to questioning, according to WAFA.
Some of the Palestinians were assaulted and beaten during the operation and sustained bruises and contusions.
Two Palestinians killed during Israeli forces, settler attack in West Bank
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 04:22 GMT | by Web Desk
Two 19-year-old Palestinians died Wednesday after suffering gunshot wounds during an attack involving Israeli forces and settlers in the village of al-Mughayyir, a Palestinian village northeast of Ramallah in the West Bank, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the head of the village council told WAFA.
Omar Mohammad Na'ssan and Khalil Abu Alia were critically wounded by live ammunition and later died as they were being taken to a hospital, the head of the village council told the Palestinian news agency.
The incident began when Israeli settlers accompanied by Israeli forces entered the village center. WAFA reported that two homes were attacked and sheep were taken by the settlers.
Palestinian residents moved to confront the settlers over the seizure of the sheep. Israeli army snipers had taken positions on buildings in the area and fired at Palestinians during the confrontation.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society told WAFA its crews evacuated two wounded Palestinians. One had been shot in the neck and the other in the back.
Iran's Red Crescent calls on ICC for legal action against US strike on a wedding
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 02:58 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran's Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has called on the International Criminal Court for legal action against a United States missile strike on a wedding ceremony, the organization said in a post on X.
Kuwait air defenses confronting missile, drone attacks from Iran
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 02:58 GMT | by Web Desk
Kuwait armed forces have said that the country's air defenses were confronting “hostile missile and drone attacks” from Iran.
In a post on X, the military noted that if any explosions are heard in the country, “they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks.”
“Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities,” the military said in a post on X.
Senator Sanders calls on Trump to end Washington’s ‘illegal war’ on Iran
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 01:52 GMT | by Web Desk
US Senator Bernie Sanders called on President Donald Trump to end Washington’s “illegal war” on Iran, stating that petrol prices in the country had risen to $5.69 a gallon for diesel and $4.12 a gallon for gas.
While criticizing the president’s comments on renaming the Strait of Hormuz after himself, Sanders said, “No, Mr. Trump. The American people don’t want you to rename the Strait of Hormuz after yourself.”
“They want you to end your illegal war in Iran that has raised diesel prices to $5.69 a gallon & gas prices to $4.12 a gallon,” he said in a post on X.
“You’re the President, not a mad king. Act like it,” he added.
18 dead, 142 injured in latest US strikes: Iran’s health ministry
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 01:33 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran’s health ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour has said that over the past three days, from August 29 to September 1, 142 people were injured and 18 were martyred in the recent US attacks.
“Among the injured, 61 were women and 44 were under 18 years old, and among the martyrs, 2 were women and one child,” Kermanpour said in a post on X.
Wednesday at a glance
Published: Sept 3, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump has said that Washington was ready to attack Iran again after extensive bombardment of sites across the country left at least 19 Iranians dead. The president also suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz the "Trump Strait," despite the crucial waterway remaining contested amid the war with Iran.
Both sides have exchanged heavy attacks between each other in weeks, with Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warning Washington of a "new strategy" from Tehran.
The US president also stated that he does not expect the ongoing conflict with Iran to continue for much longer, while warning that Washington remains prepared to launch additional military strikes if necessary.
Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked how long the latest escalation could continue. He replied, “Not too long,” before suggesting that Iran may be approaching its limits under sustained US military pressure.
“I don’t think it will be very much longer. I don’t know how much more they can take,” Trump said.
Separately, the Iranian foreign ministry said the US’ deadly attack on the wedding ceremony in the south of the country was a "war crime.”
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that Beijing was willing to work with countries in the Middle East to protect shipping as the war upended maritime logistics from the energy-rich region.
Speaking on the diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Islamabad was pushing for regional de-escalation, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a negotiated settlement.
For earlier developments, read our Sept 2 live blog here.