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 Friday's top developments here:
- Pakistan PM welcomes disarmament under Gaza Peace Plan
- Oil prices rise after Iran stops ships in the Strait of Hormuz
- Trump says war ‘going well,’ US troops ‘hitting Iran hard’
- Hamas says disarmament hinges on Israel’s withdrawal
- Iran military says targeted US base in Kuwait with drones
Araghchi reaffirms Iran's readiness to defend sovereignty in call with Saudi counterpart
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 20:27 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan as part of his ongoing diplomatic engagements.
According to the statement, the two ministers discussed what Iran described as the “continuation of conspiracies and aggressive actions by the United States and the Zionist regime in the region.”
During the conversation, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's full readiness to protect the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.
He emphasized that any aggression or “hostile action by the United States and the Zionist regime,” or any participation and cooperation by regional countries, would be met with what he described as a decisive and appropriate response by Iran's armed forces.
The statement added that responsibility for all consequences arising from such provocations would rest with those responsible.
Death toll in Gaza rises to 7 since dawn
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 19:40 GMT | by Web Desk
The death toll since dawn in Gaza has risen from four to at least seven people, according to Al Jazeera.
Two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike that targeted the rooftop of a house in the al-Reis area in the southern part of Gaza City.
Emergency services said one person was killed and several wounded in an Israeli air strike on al-Thalatini Street in Gaza City.
Lebanon army chief says ‘every inch of our land is our right’
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 18:48 GMT | by Web Desk
Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal has stressed the need to ensure the country’s territorial integrity, as Israel continues to occupy about 2,000sq km (770sq miles) of southern Lebanon’s territory.
“We believe that every inch of our land is our right, and we reject the continued Israeli occupation of any part of our territory,” Haykal said while visiting troops in the area of Tyre, according to the Lebanese Army’s X account.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs and wounded will not be in vain. We will continue to stand by our people and support their return despite all challenges,” he said.
UN says Israeli demolitions in Lebanon 'deeply concerning'
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 17:34 GMT | by AFP
The United Nations expressed concern over Israel's ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah.
"The scale of the detonations and demolitions taking place in south Lebanon is deeply concerning, with a devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the collective memory of communities," the office of the UN special coordinator for Lebanon said in a statement.
US renews travel warning for Middle East region, warns of possible escalation
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 16:57 GMT | by Web Desk
The US Department of State has issued a travel warning for the entire Middle East region, saying “Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation," Al Jazeera reported.
“Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region,” it said on X.
The department added that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.”
Top Saudi, Kuwaiti diplomats discuss ‘freedom of navigation‘
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 14:56 GMT | by Web Desk
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, have discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to ease tensions, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said according to Al Jazeera.
The ministry said the two ministers stressed the importance of continued consultation and coordination, as well as supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at “de-escalation, protecting freedom of navigation, and maintaining security and stability in the region.”
Pezeshkian says future of Iran to be decided by its people
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 13:58 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the future of Iran would be decided by its people, adding that in all the hard days, true heroes of the people “stood out.”
GCC chief condemns Iranian attacks on civilian facilities in Kuwait
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 12:59 GMT | by Web Desk
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has condemned what he described as Iranian attacks on civilian facilities in Kuwait, saying they represent “a continuation of its hostile approach to destabilising security and stability in the region."
In a statement, Albudaiwi said the attacks targeted a government facility and civilian vehicles belonging to a private company on Bubiyan Island.
He described them as “a blatant aggression and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait” and “a direct threat to its security, stability and the safety of its citizens and residents."
Israeli settlers injure Palestinian couple near Ramallah
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 10:55 GMT | by Web Desk
A Palestinian man and his wife were injured after being attacked by Israeli settlers while working on their farmland near the village of Beitillu, northwest of Ramallah, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
Local officials said the couple sustained bruises and other injuries before being taken to a hospital for medical treatment
Israeli strike destroys Gaza hospital supply depot
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 10:16 GMT | by Web Desk
An Israeli airstrike demolished the medical storage facility serving Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, disrupting healthcare operations in central Gaza, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
Medical officials said the blast erased the warehouse, created a large impact crater and damaged nearby shelters housing displaced people, forcing dozens to leave.
They said the destruction further reduced access to medicines and medical equipment already in short supply.
Gaza Health Ministry reports 8 killed by Israeli attacks in 48 hours
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 9:49 GMT | by Web Desk
Gaza’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks killed eight people and wounded 76 others over the past 48 hours.
In a post on Facebook, the ministry stated that the reported deaths included seven newly recorded fatalities and one person who later died from injuries.
Some victims remain trapped under rubble or in areas that ambulance and civil defense crews have been unable to reach.
It said the cumulative death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached 73,349, with 174,162 people injured, while fatalities from building collapses have risen to 33.
Israeli drone strike kills 2 Palestinians in Gaza City
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 9:38 GMT | by Web Desk
Two Palestinians were killed and several others were injured in an Israeli drone strike targeting civilians in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
Al-Shifa Hospital said it received the bodies of two people and several wounded following the strike on 3rd Street, as per the Palestinian news agency. It said Israeli forces continued attacks across the Gaza Strip with air and artillery bombardment.
Kuwait reports damage from drones, no casualties
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 9:17 GMT | by Web Desk
Kuwait’s military said it intercepted and destroyed drones that entered its territory after activating air defenses, according to Al Jazeera.
The military said drone debris damaged a government facility in northern Kuwait and civilian property owned by a company on Bubiyan Island.
No casualties were reported.
EU naval mission escorts merchant vessel safely through Red Sea
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 8:44 GMT | by Web Desk
A European Union naval mission said a commercial ship completed a safe passage through the Red Sea while receiving protection from an Italian warship, according to the EUNAVFOR Aspides, an EU defensive mission launched in 2024.
The EUNAVFOR Aspides operation is tasked with supporting navigation security and protecting vessels across key regional waterways.
Israeli forces detain seven Palestinians in West Bank raids
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 8:27 GMT | by Web Desk
Seven Palestinians were taken into custody during Israeli military operations across the West Bank, including two teenagers aged 16, as reported by Al Jazeera citing local sources.
The arrests were carried out in multiple communities, with detentions reported near Tubas, Nablus and Bethlehem.
Lebanon president calls for state control of all weapons
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 6:32 GMT | by Web Desk
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said military authority should remain with the national army, according to Al Jazeera.
He said armed groups outside the state’s framework should not receive recognition.
The remarks were made as Lebanon observed Army Day.
Houthis claim forcing eight Saudi tankers to change course
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 06:34GMT | by Web Desk
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the Yemeni group has forced eight Saudi oil tankers to change course, without providing a timeframe.
“The armed forces confirm that they are continuing the siege operation against the Saudi enemy and that the hand of the armed forces will reach its ships, God willing, wherever it is able to do so,” he added.
Tanker struck by projectile off Oman: UKMTO
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 03:50 GMT | by Web Desk
A tanker has been struck by an unknown projectile 11 nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports.
The strike caused damage to the engine room, leaving the vessel not under command. UKMTO said regional Coast Guard forces have been informed and authorities are investigating the incident.
No casualties or environmental impact have been reported, while vessels in the area are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.
Israeli strikes cause widespread destruction across Gaza
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 03:40 GMT | by Web Desk
The Palestinian Information Centre reports that an Israeli air strike targeting a structure west of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah caused widespread destruction, damaging nearby tents housing displaced Palestinians.
In southern Gaza, Israeli artillery shelling targeted eastern areas of Khan Younis, according to the report.
Meanwhile, in northern Gaza City, an Israeli air strike hit a residential home, leaving multiple people injured and causing extensive destruction in the area, it added.
Iran signals it's ready to hit back if Israeli infrastructure strikes materialize
Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 00:33 GMT | by Web Desk
A senior Iranian security official said Tehran has prepared response plans if Israel targets Iranian infrastructure, according to Tasnim news agency. The official rejected recent reports about possible attacks on Iran, calling them reckless, and said retaliatory options were ready if required.
For earlier developments, read our July 31 live blog here