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 Monday's top developments here:

Qatar, Egypt, Turkey condemn Israel over Gaza 'violations'
Trump says oil firms making 'too much money' from Iran shortage
Trump says Iran talks happening 'right now'
US CENTCOM says blockade against Iran continues
Trump tells Iranians to negotiate or surrender

Qatar says Pakistan, Oman helping facilitate Iran-US engagement

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 18:20 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar said Pakistan and Oman are continuing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States as regional mediators work to “bridge their viewpoints” and support a lasting diplomatic solution.

Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly press briefing in Doha, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan have been making constant efforts to facilitate engagement between Tehran and Washington. He added that coordination is also ongoing between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and regional partners to support efforts aimed at reaching a lasting solution to the crisis.

Al Ansari said the immediate priority is to contain the escalation and reopen the path for diplomatic efforts, stressing that returning to the negotiating table remains the optimal way to address the ongoing disputes, as per the statement.

He said regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and pursue a diplomatic solution are continuing, with countries in the region working together to prevent further escalation and support dialogue.

US-facilitated Israel-Lebanon talks begin in Rome: State Department

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 18:11 GMT | by Web Desk

The United States said a new round of US-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon began in Rome on Tuesday and will continue through August 6.

In a statement on his X, US State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the talks build on the momentum from President Donald Trump's meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the successful launch of the first pilot zones in southern Lebanon.

It added that the discussions bring together technical teams from the Israeli and Lebanese governments to advance the full implementation of the Trilateral Framework, including the pilot zone process, verified disarmament of Hezbollah and other security threats, the redeployment of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

Iraq exported 30 million barrels of crude via Hormuz in a month: Monitor

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 16:26 GMT | by AFP

Iraq exported over 30 million barrels of crude oil in one month through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, data from the maritime tracking firm Kpler showed.

Before the Middle East war, which choked shipments through the vital waterway, Iraq produced around four million barrels per day, and exported an average of 105 million barrels per month, mostly from its Basra oil terminal via Hormuz.

Around 30 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil passed through Hormuz between July 4 and August 4, according to vessels detected by Kpler.

Ali Nizar, the head of Iraq's State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), said in a TV interview Monday that Iraq exported in July "35.5 to 37 million barrels" via Hormuz.

Another seven million barrels were exported through an Iraq-Turkey pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

Rubio says progress made in Oman-Iran talks on safer passage through straits

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 14:24 GMT | by AFP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations involving Oman and Iran had made progress on ensuring safer passage for ships through the Middle East straits, although no final agreement had yet been reached.

Speaking at the State Department during a meeting with Paraguay Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Rubio said ships and oil were currently moving through the straits, indicating they remained open.

He said the United States was involved in talks between Oman and Iran on enabling more ships to transit the straits safely in the short term while longer-term negotiations on denuclearization continued.

"There has been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet," Rubio said, adding that he hoped an agreement would be reached "very shortly."

Oil prices plunge on US-Iran deal hopes

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 13:52 GMT | by AFP

Oil prices tumbled after a top US official said Washington could soon reach a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over crude supply disruptions that have sent prices soaring in recent months.

The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped 5% to $76.32 a barrel, while the international benchmark Brent North Sea crude fell back below $80 a barrel.

Hamas voices 'unease' over Board of Peace comments on Gaza

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 13:23 GMT | by AFP

Hamas called for clarifications from US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, voicing "unease" over comments it made regarding the group's prospective disarmament and Israel's withdrawal in Gaza.

A Hamas official said that Hamas and other Palestinian factions "are uneasy with the statement issued by (Nickolay) Mladenov after his meeting with Netanyahu," referring to the high representative for Gaza under the Board of Peace.

"The statement focused solely on the issue of weapons and failed to address the occupation's obligations, particularly those related to humanitarian aspects and Israel's commitment to halting its aggression, including aerial and artillery bombardment, gunfire, assassinations and military operations in the Gaza Strip," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

US Treasury Secretary says chance of Hormuz deal with Iran by Wednesday

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 12:52 GMT | by AFP

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the United States could reach a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Wednesday, adding that this would stabilize energy prices.

"We are in talks with the Iranians, and I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict," Bessent said Tuesday in an interview with CNBC.

Asked if a deal would allow Iran to charge a toll on shipping using the strait, Bessent said: "I think it would be freedom of movement."

Qatar, Russia discuss de-escalation and implementation of Iran-US memorandum

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 12:05 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest regional developments, according to a statement by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the call, the Qatari foreign minister stressed the importance of all parties committing to dialogue and diplomacy and implementing what was agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, to maintain regional security, protect the gains made and enhance regional stability.

The statement added that he renewed Qatar's full support for all efforts to defuse tensions and reach a comprehensive agreement that establishes permanent peace in the region.

Qatar blames Israel for delayed implementation of Gaza peace plan
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 11:11 GMT | by AFP

Mediator Qatar blamed Israel on Tuesday for delays in implementing a Gaza peace plan, after US President Donald Trump said Hamas had agreed to disarm, as Israel refuses to leave the territory.

"It is clear to the international community who is obstructing the implementation of the agreement," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters. "The full responsibility lies on the Israeli side."

An increase in Israeli strikes in Gaza over recent days is "nothing more than an attempt to derail the plan's implementation and block peaceful solutions", he added.

Mediator Qatar says efforts 'ongoing' for Iran-US resolution
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 10:42 GMT | by AFP

Mediating nation Qatar said on Tuesday efforts for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran were ongoing but that there were no direct talks between the sides planned.

"We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all parties," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters, adding that negotiations were focused on "a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality".

Global markets climb while oil prices bounce back from sharp falls
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 10:32 GMT | by Web Desk

Most global stock markets rose Tuesday after Wall Street's Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record high, with gains across Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Sydney and Singapore, while Hong Kong and several other Asian markets edged lower. European markets, including London, Paris and Frankfurt, also advanced, according to AFP.

The global news agency stated that the gains followed a strong session on Wall Street, where Amazon's surge pushed its market value above $3 trillion, helping ease investor concerns over heavy spending on artificial intelligence and improving market sentiment.

Oil prices also edged higher after plunging about 5% a day earlier, as investors monitored conflicting statements from US President Donald Trump and Iran over possible negotiations related to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

Yemen's Houthis say attacked southern Saudi airport
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 10:26 GMT | by AFP

Yemen's Houthis said on Tuesday that they had attacked an airport in Saudi Arabia, as tensions between the two foes brewed after the rebels declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and struck its ships.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said they "successfully targeted a sensitive target belonging to the Saudi enemy at Najran Airport using a drone," adding that the strike on the southern airport was "in response to the Saudi enemy's violation of airspace over the Saada and Hajjah governorates using drones".

US-backed Lebanon-Israel talks resume in Rome
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 10:12 GMT | by Web Desk

Lebanese and Israeli officials met in Rome on Tuesday for another round of discussions aimed at addressing outstanding issues between the two sides, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The meeting marks the seventh session of talks held with US involvement, with delegates reviewing steps connected to a broader framework agreement.

Lebanon and Israel hold new round of direct talks in Rome

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 09:00 GMT | by AFP

Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a new round of US-sponsored direct talks in Rome on Tuesday, as Beirut seeks Israel's phased withdrawal from the country's south.

At negotiations in Washington in June, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a framework deal that involves the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon's south and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region, starting in test areas known as "pilot zones".

This week's negotiations, set to continue until Thursday, are the seventh round of US-sponsored talks since Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in March with rocket fire at Israel in support of its backer Iran.

Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and a ground invasion that Lebanon says have killed more than 4,300 people.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that the direct negotiations would bring "nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises" for Lebanon.

Iran thanks Pakistan for support during conflict with Israel and US

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 09:44GMT | by AFP

Iran has thanked Pakistan for its support during its recent conflict with Israel and the United States, as Tehran praised Islamabad’s efforts to promote dialogue and mediation.

Iranian Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Mohammad Atabak made the remarks at the 10th meeting of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad.

Atabak said the Iranian government and leadership appreciated Pakistan’s backing during the conflict. He also expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at helping bring the fighting to an end through talks.

Lebanon's negotiations with Israel bring 'shame and humiliation': Hezbollah

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 08:22 GMT | by AFP

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel would bring "nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises" for Lebanon, ahead of new talks in Rome.

In a televised address, Qassem said Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun "has not acted as an arbiter, nor as a unifying figure, but has become biased and divisive, which is incompatible with his role and with Lebanon's strength".

Qatar, Egypt, Turkey condemn Israel over Gaza ceasefire violations
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 8:54 GMT | by AFP

Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, who are mediating the truce in Gaza, on Monday criticized Israel after renewed strikes in the Palestinian territory reportedly killed over 20 people.

The trio said they strongly condemned "ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, particularly the targeting of health facilities and infrastructure, and the casualties among civilians, including women and children".

The situation was "a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law", they added in a joint statement.

British energy giant posts soaring profit
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 6:47 GMT | by AFP

British energy giant BP on Tuesday posted soaring net profit for the second quarter as the Middle East war sent oil and gas prices surging compared to one year earlier.

Profit after tax jumped to $3.91 billion in the April-June period from $1.62 billion in the second quarter of 2025, BP said in an earnings statement.

Energy majors around the globe are enjoying soaring profits also from their trades as oil and gas futures swing between big gains and losses on the latest headlines linked to the Middle East War.

BP's total revenue increased 47% to $70 billion in the second quarter from a year earlier as the conflict disrupted global supplies of fossil fuels.

Aramco chief says Houthi attacks on Saudi had 'no material impact'
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 6:39 GMT | by AFP

The chief executive of Saudi Arabia's state oil firm said Tuesday that attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels had no real effect on the oil giant's production.

Strikes by the group had "no material impact on our capabilities", Aramco president and CEO Amin Nasser said during a call with reporters, adding that they included Houthi attacks in July which targeted the company's operations on the Red Sea coast and elsewhere.

Oil giant Saudi Aramco profits soar 44% despite Mideast war

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 05:50 GMT | by AFP

Saudi Aramco on Tuesday said its net profit rose 44% in the second quarter year-on-year as the Middle East war pushed oil and gas prices higher.

Aramco, majority-owned by the state, reported net income of 122.6 billion Saudi riyals ($32.7 billion) from April to June, up from 85 billion riyals ($22.67 billion) in 2025.

Trump board reassures Israel after objections on Gaza pullout

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 03:34 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace has assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's withdrawal in Gaza would only begin after Hamas's complete disarmament, following his objections.

Two members of Netanyahu's security cabinet had urged a vote to tear up the deal championed by Trump after the board released a text that called for Israel to begin a phased withdrawal.

Netanyahu's office said it had raised concerns to the United States, after Trump on Friday hailed as a "major milestone" an agreement by Hamas to hand over weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing committee.

Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the Board of Peace, met with Netanyahu on Monday for what he acknowledged was difficult work.

But the board said it had reached a "common understanding of the shared objectives" with Israel.

Dow jumps 1.3% to end at record as oil prices tumble
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 00:34 GMT | by AFP

The Dow powered to a fresh record Monday in a US equity market cheered by lower oil prices as US President Donald Trump insisted talks were ongoing with Iran.

All three major US equity indexes ended solidly higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.3% to 53,178.41, a new all-time high. Oil prices fell more than 4%, even as Iran denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place.

Monday developments at a glance
Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk

Conflicting messages over US-Iran diplomacy dominated Monday as President Donald Trump said negotiations with Tehran were "happening right now" and described them as a final opportunity for a deal, while Iran insisted it was not negotiating with Washington and said its discussions were limited to Oman over managing the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the mixed messaging, diplomatic activity continued across the region. Iran's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that Pakistan remains the principal mediator in discussions between Tehran and Washington, while saying Qatar assists when necessary.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, with both sides exchanging views on regional developments and Islamabad inviting the Iranian foreign minister to visit Pakistan.

The Strait of Hormuz remained at the center of developments.

Iran and Oman continued discussions on a proposed shipping route through the strategic waterway, while limited commercial oil flows continued using Omani lanes.

US Central Command said it was maintaining its blockade against Iran, and Trump said reopening Hormuz would be the first phase of any agreement before talks move to Iran's nuclear program.

Oil prices fell nearly 5% after Trump's announcement of planned negotiations, though he later accused major energy companies of profiting from supply shortages linked to the conflict.

Meanwhile, attention also remained on Gaza, where Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye jointly condemned Israel over ongoing violations in the Palestinian territory, including strikes on health facilities and civilian infrastructure, calling them a flagrant breach of international and humanitarian law.

For earlier developments, read our Aug 3 live blog here

israeli violations

Middle East Roundup: US pushes diplomacy as Israel-Lebanon talks, Gaza tensions test regional peace