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 Thursday's top developments here:
- Houthi attack injures 11 civilians in Saudi: Riyadh-led coalition
Israel refuses to withdraw from more south Lebanon areas at talks: Source
Erdogan to visit Saudi Arabia Friday: Presidency
Pakistan, seven Muslim countries condemn Israeli violations in Gaza
Israeli committee approves settlement expansion plan near Jerusalem
Trump says Iran war could end ‘soon’
Published: Aug 7, 2026 | 01:16 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump, while taking questions from reporters on energy prices both globally and in the US, says that he thinks the war on Iran will end “pretty soon”.
“I don’t think they can go much longer”, he said.
On another question, he said he was involved in negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and hoped it could be opened soon.
Thursday's developments at a glance
Published: Aug 7, 2026 | 00:38 GMT | by AFP
Violence surged across multiple fronts in the region on Thursday, with the deadliest Houthi attacks on Yemeni forces since a 2022 truce, an unprecedented strike on Saudi Arabia, and stalled Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome.
The key developments were:
Houthis kill 38 Yemeni troops: Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks that medical sources said killed 38 government troops, the deadliest toll since the 2022 truce. The Houthis said the strikes were retaliation for an alleged Saudi military buildup.
Houthi attack wounds 11 in Saudi Arabia: A separate Houthi attack late Thursday injured 11 civilians — seven Saudis, two Egyptians, a Yemeni, and a Pakistani — in Saudi Arabia's Najran region, an unprecedented toll in over four years of hostilities, according to the Riyadh-led coalition.
Yemen vows retaliation: Yemen's internationally recognized government said its armed forces would respond to the Houthi attacks “at the appropriate place and time.”
Israel-Lebanon talks falter in Rome: Israel refused in a seventh round of talks to withdraw from more of south Lebanon unless the Lebanese army first secured full control of two “pilot zones.” A Lebanese source called the results inconclusive, though the US State Department described the talks as “productive.”
Erdogan heads to Saudi Arabia: Turkish President Erdogan announced a Friday visit to Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, as Pakistan continues mediating the US-Iran conflict.
Trump praises Hegseth: President Trump said he was "extremely happy" with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's performance, citing the Venezuela operation and the campaign against Iran's nuclear program.
Muslim nations condemn Israeli actions in Gaza: Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement condemning Israeli strikes on healthcare facilities and civilian infrastructure in Gaza.
Settlers attack West Bank community: Israeli settlers burned homes and destroyed solar panels in the Palestinian community of Khirbet al-Tuba, according to the military and residents.
UN experts press Iran on minorities: UN rights experts urged Iran to end arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture and executions targeting ethnic minorities.
OIC condemns Qalandia camp raid: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned Israeli military actions in the Qalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem, warning of possible expansion to other West Bank camps.
Israeli forces raid Nablus-area camp: Israeli military vehicles raided the Askar refugee camp near Nablus, per Palestinian news agency WAFA.
For earlier developments, read our Aug 6live blog here
