US says naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect

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 Saturday's top developments here:

• Araghchi condemns Ukrainian military attack on Iranian vessel
• Iran says it sold $18B of oil during war, ceasefire
• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia exchange views on regional developments, reaffirm close ties in call 
• Qatar and Egypt discuss regional stability and de-escalation efforts in Doha meeting
• Palestinians bury four killed in West Bank clash with Israeli settlers

UN Chief calls for respect of Syria’s sovereignty, urges end to violations of 1974 agreement

Published: July 26, 2026 | 00:30 GMT | by Web Desk

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, while urging an end to violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the UN chief said:

“Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity & territorial integrity must be fully respected.

Violations by Israel of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement are unacceptable & must stop.”

US says naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect

Published: July 25, 2026 | 21:45 GMT | by Web Desk

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect.

In a statement, CENTCOM said that as of July 25, US forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade, disabled two that did not comply, and boarded two others to ensure full compliance.

The statement said US forces also completed a verification boarding of the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea earlier in the day, adding that the vessel has resumed its voyage.

CENTCOM further said its forces disabled the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman on July 24 after the crew  attempted to violate the blockade multiple times and ignored repeated warnings. According to the statement, the ship is no longer transiting to Iran.

For earlier developments, read our July 25 live blog here.