This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up Sunday's top development's here
- Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again after fresh US military strikes overnight
- Trump says US hit Iran "very hard" after attacks on commercial shipping
- Iran expands Gulf attacks as Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE activate air defenses
- Pakistan urges restraint as Dar discusses de-escalation with Iranian foreign minister
- Oman protests Iranian attack despite hosting Hormuz diplomacy talks day earlier
Oil surges on escalation
Published: July 13, 2026 | 01:10 GMT | by Web Desk
Oil prices rose more than 3% in early Monday trading as renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran heightened concerns over energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, according to market trading data.
Brent crude futures climbed 3.08% to $78.35 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 3.09% to $73.62 during Asian trading, reflecting investor concerns over potential disruptions to one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes.
The gains followed Iran's announcement that it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz after fresh US strikes, while US Central Command (CENTCOM) said commercial traffic through the waterway was continuing. "Traffic is flowing," CENTCOM said in a statement, adding that "US forces are positioned and prepared to keep it that way."
Sunday roundup
Published: July 13, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran announced it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and expanded attacks across the Gulf following fresh US strikes, marking another major escalation that further strained diplomatic efforts launched under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The United States said it carried out overnight strikes after accusing Iran of attacking commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. President Donald Trump said US forces had hit Iran "very hard," adding Washington and Tehran had been close to reaching a deal before the latest attacks. US Central Command said about 140 Iranian military targets had been struck and insisted that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained open.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted multiple vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the first attack as "warning shots" after a ship allegedly ignored instructions to use an approved route. The Guards also claimed attacks on a US base in Qatar and logistical facilities supporting US naval operations in Oman's Duqm port, while Iranian officials said the Strait of Hormuz remained under Tehran's control.
The latest exchanges spilled across the Gulf. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates activated air defence systems. Jordan said three Iranian missiles landed inside its territory without causing casualties, and Oman issued a formal protest to Iran after reporting an attack on its territory, a day after hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for talks on the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan also intensified diplomatic outreach. According to the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, urging all sides to pursue de-escalation, exercise maximum restraint and preserve regional peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials said a naval officer was killed in overnight US strikes, while Omani authorities rescued 23 crew members from a commercial vessel struck off the country's coast. India said one of its nationals remained missing after the attack.
For earlier developments, read our July 12 live blog here.
