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:
- Ghalibaf says US commits ‘new crime every day'
- Iran’s FO says US attack on Qeshm only ‘make Iranians more determined, united’
- US sanctions six entities and individuals over support for Iran's IRGC
- China rejects report of air-defense missile shipment to Iran
- GCC chief condemns Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Jordan
Hamas officials say deal agreed on group's arms, gradual Israel withdrawal from Gaza
Published: July 30, 2026 | 23:57 GMT | by AFP
Senior Hamas officials told AFP on Friday that the agreement reached with Israel includes provisions addressing the group's weapons and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
"An agreement has been reached regarding the issue of weapons... Furthermore, an agreement has been reached on a gradual withdrawal of (Israeli forces)" from the strip, a Hamas official said, adding that the Islamist movement now expects the mediators and the Board of Peace to ensure that Israel complies with the terms of the deal.
Araghchi says Egypt’s security is Iran’s ‘utmost priority’
Published: July 30, 2026 | 22:45 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Egypt is “a friend and important partner in the region,” adding that its security constitutes “an utmost priority” for Iran.
In a post on X, Araghchi said all countries “must remain vigilant toward Israeli schemes and ‘false flag’ operations” that he said aim to undermine regional peace.
He added that “the threat is clear, shared, and fears Muslim solidarity.”
Trump says Hamas, armed groups agree to complete disarmament
Published: July 30, 2026 | 22:24 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump said the Board of Peace has reached what he described as a "historic agreement" for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the agreement is a step toward lasting peace and security and would pave the way for Gaza to be governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace.
He said Israel would have "the security it deserves," with Gaza no longer used as a base for what he described as terror attacks.
According to Trump, the agreement is a major milestone in the implementation of his "Trump 20-Point Plan" and will be carried out in carefully structured phases.
He said that as disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, while the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to assume responsibility for Gaza's security.
Trump said that one year earlier there had been a violent war, a humanitarian crisis and hostages held in captivity, adding that "historic progress" had been made but that more work remains.
He thanked Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their mediation efforts, as well as his team, which he said made the breakthrough possible.
Trump also said the threat that emerged from Gaza on October 7 "will NOT be allowed to rebuild" and that, under the agreement, Gaza will be governed by a new Palestinian government that serves its people
For earlier developments, read our July 30 live blog here
