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:
- US military launches 13th night of strikes on Iran
- Trump says frozen Iranian assets will pay for damage to shipping
- Kuwait says under attack from Iranian missiles and drones
- Israeli far-right minister leads hundreds to Al-Aqsa on Jewish mourning day
- Pakistan PM condemns Houthi attacks in call with Saudi crown prince
Saudi-led coalition says responded after Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping
Published: July 24, 2026 | 21:33 GMT | by AFP
The Saudi-led coalition targeted Houthi military sites and destroyed targets threatening commercial shipping, the kingdom's main broadcaster said, as conflict flared after the rebels announced a maritime blockade.
"Houthi military sites targeted in Hodeida governorate... the targets destroyed were linked to the threat to commercial ships in the Red Sea," Al Arabiya television said in posts on X. It added that the Hodeid port had not been targeted and remains open to navigation.
Telecoms building, naval base targeted in Hodeida: Yemeni security source to AFP
Published: July 24, 2026 | 21:03 GMT | by AFP
Strikes on Yemen's rebel-held Hodeida hit a telecom building near the city's port as well as a naval base on Friday, a security source told AFP, as the Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for attacks.
"Airstrikes targeted the telecommunications building near the eastern gate of Hodeida port and the naval base at Ras al-Kathib in Hodeida," the source said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
Houthi media say woman injured in Saudi strikes on Yemen's Kamaran island
Published: July 24, 2026 | 21:00 GMT | by AFP
A woman was injured in Saudi strikes on Yemen's Kamaran island on Friday, according to Houthi media, as conflict flares after the rebels announced this week a maritime blockade of the kingdom and hit its ships.
"A woman was injured in the Saudi aggression on Kamaran Island," the Iran-backed group's Al-Masirah TV channel said.
Trump says Iranians getting 'very serious' in talks
Published: July 24, 2026 | 19:55 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump said Friday that he had not decided on whether to launch major strikes on Iran as Tehran was now getting "very serious" in talks with Washington.
"No I haven't," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office when asked if had made a decision, following reports that he was meeting advisors to discuss a large-scale operation.
"Look, we're talking to them right now. I think they're getting more and more serious as the days go by, for maybe the obvious reason."
US targets Babak Zanjani network over Iran sanctions evasion
Published: July 24, 2026 | 17:40 GMT | by AFP
The United States said it is holding Iranian businessman Babak Zanjani and his network accountable for enabling the Iranian government to evade sanctions and finance what it described as its destabilizing activities, including support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a statement, the US State Department said the action increases pressure on Iran following its attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and regional neighbours.
According to the statement, the measures target four individuals and nine entities linked to Zanjani's operations.
ICC members vote to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan: sources
Published: July 24, 2026 | 18:57 GMT | by AFP
International Criminal Court member states voted Friday to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan, diplomatic sources told AFP, following disputed allegations that he sexually assaulted a female member of his staff.
Khan, 56, was suspended last month by a key governing body of the ICC before the secret ballot in which more than 80 of 125 members voted to remove him, a motion that required an absolute majority.
Trump says Xi, Putin assured him they would not sell weapons to Iran
Published: July 24, 2026 | 15:15 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping told him during their recent meeting in Beijing that China would not, under any circumstances, give or sell weapons to Iran, adding that the commitment also applied to Chinese companies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he takes Xi "at his word," citing the relationship between the two leaders.
Trump also said Russian President Vladimir Putin told him he would not sell weapons to Iran despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He added that Putin understands the United States does not sell weapons directly to Ukraine, but to NATO countries, which "pay full price," and said he has no knowledge of how those weapons are distributed.
Trump said that, in his opinion, the two major countries often discussed in relation to Iran are not participating in supplying weapons to Tehran. He added that if they did, "it would be very bad for them" and "certainly not in their best interests."
UN chief expresses alarm over Houthi strikes
Published: July 24, 2026 | 15:15 GMT | by AFP
The United Nations chief is "deeply alarmed" after Yemen's Houthi rebels struck oil tankers in the Red Sea, his spokesman said Friday, as fears rise of a new front in the Middle East war.
"The attack on commercial vessels, claimed by the Houthis, risks further heightening regional tensions and widening the current cycle of escalation," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's spokesman said in a statement.
"Further hostilities in Yemen will undermine prospects for peace, and cause serious economic, humanitarian and environmental consequences across and beyond the region."
Houthis say they don't seek to close key Bab al-Mandeb Strait
Published: July 24, 2026 | 14:50 GMT | by AFP
A Houthi spokesman said Friday that the rebels were not blocking traffic through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, after they declared a maritime embargo this week on their foe Saudi Arabia.
"There is no closure of Bab al-Mandab as some are suggesting," said Mohammed Abdusalam, who is also a top Houthi negotiator, adding that the rebel position was "limited to a maritime blockade that only affects the Saudi side".
The rebels warned in a radio message to ships on Monday that they would target ships "belonging to (the) Saudi enemy" that do not comply with their blockade.
Volatile Brent oil price slides over 5%
Published: July 24, 2026 | 14:35 GMT | by AFP
The price of benchmark international oil contract, Brent North Sea, slumped more than five percent Friday, extending a volatile run as traders react to Middle East war developments.
Brent dropped to $95.61 a barrel having surged above $100 on Thursday, as traders weighed the impact of fresh Middle East attacks on world crude supplies.
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to working together for regional peace, stability
Published: July 24, 2026 | 11:59 GMT | by AFP
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together for regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity, the Foreign Office said.
“DPM/FM expressed deep concern over recent regional tensions and underscored the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation by all sides, and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability,” it added.
During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s “continued diplomatic” support and constructive efforts in promoting regional peace and security.
“He also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including those from vessels interdicted by the U.S., and for its close coordination with the Iranian, US, and other relevant authorities to ensure their safe transit through Pakistan and return to Iran,” the statemen said.
FM Dar emphasized the need to build on the understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU of June 2026.
Both dignitaries agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on issues of mutual interest.
Israel's Netanyahu orders new West Bank settler outposts after deadly clash
Published: July 24, 2026 | 10:59 GMT | by AFP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his government would establish new settler outposts in the occupied West Bank and legalise more existing ones, after a deadly clash left one Israeli and four Palestinians dead.
Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced "a series of steps" including raids in Palestinian villages suspected of hosting militants and "accelerating the legalisation of farm outposts and establishment of new ones".
All the settlements are illegal under international law.
Iran Guards warn civilians to stay away from US forces in region
Published: July 24, 2026 | 10:59 GMT | by AFP
Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned civilians in the Middle East on Friday to stay away from US forces, state media reported.
"We warn the general public in countries where American soldiers are stationed to immediately stay out of a radius of 500 metres from the places where American soldiers are hiding, in order to be safe," the Guards said in a statement carried by state TV.
Iran Guards say targeted Amazon data center in Bahrain
Published: July 24, 2026 | 09:31 GMT | by AFP
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday that they targeted a data center in Bahrain belonging to US tech giant Amazon, state media reported.
The forces "targeted and destroyed the intelligence data center building of the American company Amazon, which plays a major role in completing information for the American child-killing army", they said in a statement aired by state TV.
Neither Amazon nor Bahraini authorities have commented so far on Iran's claims.
UN urges evacuation of 6,000 sailors stranded in Hormuz strait
Published: July 24, 2026 | 09:31 GMT | by AFP
The United Nations on Friday urged countries involved in the Middle East war to help evacuate and repatriate some 6,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for urgent action to remedy the plight of thousands of stranded seafarers, who are facing "a dire humanitarian and human rights crisis" in the waterway, his spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said.
The International Maritime Organization has said there are at least 6,000 seafarers on hundreds of vessels who are stranded in the strait, unable to evacuate during the ceasefire.
"Parties to the conflict should urgently work to facilitate safe passage for stranded seafarers to safely evacuate and disembark, as well as ensure the delivery of critical supplies," Mantoo told a press conference in Geneva.
"Attacks against civilian vessels are unacceptable and must stop. They are protected under international humanitarian law."
Iran military says attacked US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait
Published: July 24, 2026 | 09:10 GMT | by AFP
Iran's military said on Friday it carried out drone strikes against several American military facilities and bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait in retaliation for the latest US attacks against the Islamic republic.
"This morning, the fuel tanks, large equipment warehouses and silos and the barracks of the US terrorist army forces at the Isa Air Base in Bahrain were targeted by Arash kamikaze drones," the army said in a statement carried by state TV.
An AFP journalist in Bahrain reported an explosion and the sounding of warning sirens in the country on Friday morning, though it was not immediately clear if the two events were linked.
The Iranian army also claimed drone attacks against Jordan, targeting "aircraft hangars, aviation maintenance hangars and a barracks" at Al-Azraq base.
Jordan has not reported any strikes in the last few hours.
In a separate statement, the Iranian army said it had launched drones at US equipment warehouses in Camp Udairi and the site of American military personnel in Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.
Explosions, smoke near Iraq's Erbil airport: AFP correspondent
Published: July 24, 2026 | 07:23 GMT | by AFP
Several blasts sounded on Friday near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said.
Explosions were heard after air defenses were activated, according to the journalist who also saw drones hovering over the city and smoke rising in the airport area.
Since hostilities resumed in the Middle East, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over Erbil, which is also home to a major US consulate complex.
Iran says US attacks Guards base in north: Media
Published: July 24, 2026 | 07:21 GMT | by AFP
Iranian authorities said on Friday that the United States struck a Revolutionary Guards' base in the northern province of Gilan, state media reported.
"This morning, an IRGC naval forces headquarters in Zibakenar was targeted by American enemy projectiles, which damaged some of the equipment in the complex," said Ali Bagheri, deputy governor for the province, quoted by the official IRNA news agency.
Palestinian ministry says four Palestinians shot dead in West Bank
Published: July 24, 2026 | 07:21 GMT | by AFP
Palestinian ministry says four Palestinians shot dead in West Bank, AFP reports.
Iran warns countries against assisting in US attacks
Published: July 24, 2026 | 06:11 GMT | by AFP
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Iran would hold accountable any country assisting the United States in an attack on the Islamic republic.
"Any participation, cooperation or assistance in committing aggression against Iran will create international responsibility for the relevant parties," Araghchi said at a meeting in Kyrgyzstan, adding that Iran "reserves its right to take all necessary measures within the framework of self-defense".
Iran says US attack on southwest kills at least four people
Published: July 24, 2026 | 06:07 GMT | by AFP
An overnight US attack on Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan killed at least four people and injured several others, Iranian state media reported Friday.
"Following the missile attack by the terrorist US enemy on areas around the city of Ahvaz, four of our compatriots were martyred and five others were injured," Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor of the province, was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.
Blast heard in Bahrain, alert sirens sound: AFP journalist
Published: July 24, 2026 | 06:05 GMT | by AFP
Sirens sounded in Bahrain on Friday, the interior ministry said, with an AFP correspondent hearing an explosion two weeks into renewed US-Iran hostilities that have seen near daily Iranian attacks on the island kingdom.
"The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry said on X.
US concludes 13th night of strikes on Iranian military targets: CENTCOM
Published: July 24, 2026 | 03:53 GMT | by Web Desk
US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a post on X on Friday stated that its forces "successfully completed the 13th straight night of strikes against Iran, July 23, at 9 pm ET."
"CENTCOM targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities to further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz," the post said.
Seizing another nation's assets 'incendiary precedent', says Iran FM
Published: July 24, 2026 | 03:45 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said "Seizing another nation's assets to pay for unrelated future claims is an incendiary precedent."
In a post on X on Friday, Araghchi further wrote, "Those who celebrate or profit from such funds should remember: once governments normalize confiscation, no one's assets are safe. Ensuing chaos will not be pretty or peaceful."
Senior Iranian official threatens escalation after Rubio remarks
Published: July 24, 2026 | 00:01 GMT | by Web Desk
A senior Iranian official has threatened to escalate the conflict with the United States, responding to remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Al Jazeera reported.
Abbas Mousavi, chief of protocol in the Iranian president's office, mocked Rubio's comments in a post on X, writing: “Soon, it won't be 'an eye for an eye' or 'a head for an eye', but 'your whole damn body for an eye!' This isn't just bluster.”
Earlier on Thursday, Rubio said the US military approach would be “a head for an eye,” suggesting Washington would respond to any Iranian attack with a stronger military response.
Rubio made the remarks after being asked about Tehran's stated policy of “an eye for an eye,” which Iranian officials have used to signal that Iran would respond proportionately to any US military action.
US military launches 13th night of strikes on Iran
Published: July 23, 2026 | 23:42 GMT | by AFP
The United States military said Thursday it was attacking Iran for the 13th night in a row.
"U.S. forces started another night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. ET (2245 GMT) today," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, adding that the "strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping."
Trump says frozen Iranian assets will pay for damage to shipping
Published: July 23, 2026 | 23:22 GMT | by AFP
President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US would begin using frozen Iranian assets to pay for ships and cargo damaged by strikes in and around the Gulf.
"Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls," Trump said on Truth Social.
For earlier developments, read our July 23 live blog here.