By Mariem Bah and Stephen Quillen
Published On 5 Aug 2026
Iran’s foreign ministry says a deal with Oman on a route through the Strait of Hormuz is being “finalised”, but the US and Israel still pose a danger to ships in the vital waterway. Israel’s military says it has started carrying out attacks on southern Lebanon in response to what it calls a “blatant violation of the ceasefire” by Hezbollah. One person has so far been reported killed and 11 injured in the offensive. Earlier, Israeli media reported that two Israeli soldiers were killed and several others wounded after an IED exploded inside a booby-trapped building in the Lebanese village of Majdal Selm.
6m ago
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Speaking to Al Jazeera, Azodi said he doubts the status of the Strait of Hormuz will ever return to how it was before the US-Israeli war on Iran began.
“The Iranians have learned that by blockading the Strait of Hormuz, they can make the global economy scream,” he said. “This is a strategic asset, and I don’t think they will let go of it easily.”
However, he said Oman has been a “very helpful, trustworthy mediator” between Iran and the US, helping to move towards the eventual reopening of the waterway.
“Oman’s role has always been very positive,” said Azodi. “The Iranians trust Oman; the Americans trust Oman.”
21m ago
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Earlier, we brought you reports of an explosive device detonating near an Israeli force in Majdel Zoun, causing casualties among Israeli soldiers.
36m ago
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The statement came after Arab foreign ministers meeting in Amman condemned what they described as Israel’s escalating policies and measures in occupied Jerusalem and launched a joint diplomatic effort to respond. The committee includes Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine and other Arab states, alongside the Arab League.
In response, Israel said Jerusalem is “the eternal capital of the State of Israel”, insisting it remains committed to preserving freedom of worship and the status quo at the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque), while accusing the declaration of ignoring “the Jewish people’s historic connection to Jerusalem and its holiest sites”.
51m ago
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During the virtual meeting, al-Zouba said Houthi attacks on commercial vessels threaten international navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden, accusing the Iran-aligned group of using Yemen to fuel wider regional escalation. She also called for increased international pressure on the Houthis to engage seriously in peace efforts.
Grundberg reaffirmed the importance of preventing further regional escalation and advancing a just and comprehensive political process to achieve security and stability in Yemen.
1h ago
(19:30 GMT)
Even if Trump is able to secure a deal with Iran that effectively ends the conflict by November, the economic damage will continue to be felt, Smith added.
“This is lasting economic pain,” he told Al Jazeera. “Gas prices are not going to go down to where they were before, before election day, and that doesn’t even factor in the fact that we have higher food costs, we have higher diesel that makes transportation and goods more expensive, so it’s going to be lasting pain.”
1h ago
(19:25 GMT)
“If the country [Iran] has remained standing until now, it is indebted to the people,” said Pezeshkian in comments carried by Iranian media.
He said while “the enemy” is trying to provoke Iranian people to protest, Iran’s government is resolved not to “let the people down”.
“If we stand with the people, no power can bring us to our knees,” said Pezeshkian.
1h ago
(19:15 GMT)
The two officials reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal said Jerusalem “must be a city of peace and coexistence, not an arena of conflict or the imposition of a fait accompli.”
1h ago
(19:00 GMT)
Watch our on-the-ground report here:
Qalandia camp raid raises fears of mass displacement and demolitions
1h ago
(18:45 GMT)
ANALYSIS
He said the talks remain between Iran and Oman, although the US is believed to be coordinating with Oman. According to Eslami, Tehran has rejected Washington’s involvement in the negotiations.
Eslami said the agreement does not mean Hormuz will immediately reopen, as Iran considers the continuation of a US naval blockade an act of war. He said Tehran’s position is that the strait will only reopen if Washington ends the blockade.
He added that the US is using mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, to encourage Iran to return to negotiations, but Tehran has yet to decide.
2h ago
(18:30 GMT)
The vessel, the Daisy, was hit by a ballistic missile, Saree said, forcing it to turn around.
“This targeting is part of an effort to enforce a maritime blockade on the Saudi enemy,” the statement continued.
There was no confirmation from Saudi Arabia.
2h ago
(18:15 GMT)
That is three more than the 45 total vessels CENTCOM reported having redirected in the region yesterday.
2h ago
(18:00 GMT)
A return by the US to its obligations under a memorandum of understanding signed with Iran in mid-June would be a necessary condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but not a sufficient one, Gharibabadi said in comments carried by Iran’s IRNA news agency.
He said the US’s “breach of promises and commitments” would ultimately need to be “resolved”.
2h ago
(17:45 GMT)
The two discussed “their shared commitment to safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never develops or obtains a nuclear weapon”, according to Pigott.
3h ago
(17:35 GMT)
Under the planned arrangement, he says:Large parts of the designated shipping route will go through Iran’s territorial waters, while some parts will also pass through Omani territorial waters
Existing temporary routes – including a northern route near Iran’s Larak Island and a southern route in Omani waters – would be closed
The new route in Hormuz will be used for a period of two to four months or potentially longer.
3h ago
(17:30 GMT)
The military has since located most of the group and escorted them back into Israeli territory, while efforts continue to locate remaining members, the report said.
The women are part of the Uri Tzafon Movement, a group that advocates establishing Israeli settlements in southern Lebanon, said The Times of Israel.
Several far-right Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have expressed support for Israeli settlements in southern Lebanon.
3h ago
(17:15 GMT)
6m ago
(20:30 GMT)
‘Hormuz unlikely to return to pre-war status’
Sina Azodi, assistant professor of Middle East Politics at George Washington University, says the understanding Iran and Oman are working towards regarding the Strait of Hormuz represents both a diplomatic compromise and a recognition of Iran’s strategic influence in the Gulf.Speaking to Al Jazeera, Azodi said he doubts the status of the Strait of Hormuz will ever return to how it was before the US-Israeli war on Iran began.
“The Iranians have learned that by blockading the Strait of Hormuz, they can make the global economy scream,” he said. “This is a strategic asset, and I don’t think they will let go of it easily.”
However, he said Oman has been a “very helpful, trustworthy mediator” between Iran and the US, helping to move towards the eventual reopening of the waterway.
“Oman’s role has always been very positive,” said Azodi. “The Iranians trust Oman; the Americans trust Oman.”
21m ago
(20:15 GMT)
Israeli forces fire artillery in Lebanon’s Majdel Zoun: Lebanese state media
Israeli forces have shelled the southern Lebanon’s Majdel Zoun, reports Lebanon’s National News Agency, without noting any casualties.Earlier, we brought you reports of an explosive device detonating near an Israeli force in Majdel Zoun, causing casualties among Israeli soldiers.
36m ago
(20:00 GMT)
Israel slams Arab committee’s Jerusalem declaration
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has rejected a declaration issued by the Arab Ministerial Committee on occupied Jerusalem, calling it “built on false accusations, historical distortions, and a complete disregard for the facts” in a post on X.The statement came after Arab foreign ministers meeting in Amman condemned what they described as Israel’s escalating policies and measures in occupied Jerusalem and launched a joint diplomatic effort to respond. The committee includes Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine and other Arab states, alongside the Arab League.
In response, Israel said Jerusalem is “the eternal capital of the State of Israel”, insisting it remains committed to preserving freedom of worship and the status quo at the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque), while accusing the declaration of ignoring “the Jewish people’s historic connection to Jerusalem and its holiest sites”.
51m ago
(19:45 GMT)
Yemen FM, UN envoy discuss Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping
The foreign minister for Yemen’s internationally recognised government, Afrah al-Zouba, has discussed the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen with UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, according to Yemen’s Foreign Ministry.During the virtual meeting, al-Zouba said Houthi attacks on commercial vessels threaten international navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden, accusing the Iran-aligned group of using Yemen to fuel wider regional escalation. She also called for increased international pressure on the Houthis to engage seriously in peace efforts.
Grundberg reaffirmed the importance of preventing further regional escalation and advancing a just and comprehensive political process to achieve security and stability in Yemen.
1h ago
(19:30 GMT)
Trump, Republicans must contend with ‘lasting economic pain’ caused by war on Iran
US Democratic strategist Malbert Smith says Democrats are planning to “hammer home” two key messages heading into mid-term elections in November: that Trump failed to keep his promises to end inflation and avoid new foreign wars.Even if Trump is able to secure a deal with Iran that effectively ends the conflict by November, the economic damage will continue to be felt, Smith added.
“This is lasting economic pain,” he told Al Jazeera. “Gas prices are not going to go down to where they were before, before election day, and that doesn’t even factor in the fact that we have higher food costs, we have higher diesel that makes transportation and goods more expensive, so it’s going to be lasting pain.”
1h ago
(19:25 GMT)
Iran’s president says country has overcome ‘difficult conditions’ thanks to its people
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has delivered remarks thanking the Iranian people, who he says have resisted “pressure” from Iran’s enemies and helped the country overcome the “most difficult conditions” in its modern history.“If the country [Iran] has remained standing until now, it is indebted to the people,” said Pezeshkian in comments carried by Iranian media.
He said while “the enemy” is trying to provoke Iranian people to protest, Iran’s government is resolved not to “let the people down”.
“If we stand with the people, no power can bring us to our knees,” said Pezeshkian.
1h ago
(19:15 GMT)
Saudi and Egyptian FMs discuss Jerusalem and regional developments
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has met with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in support of Jerusalem and its holy sites, according to a post by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry on X.The two officials reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal said Jerusalem “must be a city of peace and coexistence, not an arena of conflict or the imposition of a fait accompli.”
1h ago
(19:00 GMT)
Qalandiya camp raid raises fears of mass displacement and demolitions
We reported earlier today on the Israeli military raid on Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians have been detained, businesses shut and journalists assaulted.Watch our on-the-ground report here:
Qalandia camp raid raises fears of mass displacement and demolitions
1h ago
(18:45 GMT)
ANALYSIS
‘Iran-Oman deal will not reopen Hormuz unless US blockade ends’
MENA researcher at the University of Tehran, Mohammad Eslami, says vessels entering the Gulf would need approval from Iranian authorities, while outbound traffic would be coordinated with Oman. He stressed that Iran would continue monitoring commercial shipping.He said the talks remain between Iran and Oman, although the US is believed to be coordinating with Oman. According to Eslami, Tehran has rejected Washington’s involvement in the negotiations.
Eslami said the agreement does not mean Hormuz will immediately reopen, as Iran considers the continuation of a US naval blockade an act of war. He said Tehran’s position is that the strait will only reopen if Washington ends the blockade.
He added that the US is using mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, to encourage Iran to return to negotiations, but Tehran has yet to decide.
2h ago
(18:30 GMT)
Yemen’s Houthis say they targeted Saudi oil vessel in Gulf of Aden
In a statement on Telegram, military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group targeted a Saudi oil vessel in the Gulf of Aden.The vessel, the Daisy, was hit by a ballistic missile, Saree said, forcing it to turn around.
“This targeting is part of an effort to enforce a maritime blockade on the Saudi enemy,” the statement continued.
There was no confirmation from Saudi Arabia.
2h ago
(18:15 GMT)
US military says redirected total of 48 vessels as part of ‘blockade against Iran’
US Central Command has said US forces have now redirected a total of 48 commercial vessels to enforce a US naval blockade of Iran.That is three more than the 45 total vessels CENTCOM reported having redirected in the region yesterday.
2h ago
(18:00 GMT)
US ‘breach of promises’ must be resolved, says Iran’s deputy FM
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, has said that Iran continues to distrust the US, which he accuses of repeatedly violating its commitments.A return by the US to its obligations under a memorandum of understanding signed with Iran in mid-June would be a necessary condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but not a sufficient one, Gharibabadi said in comments carried by Iran’s IRNA news agency.
He said the US’s “breach of promises and commitments” would ultimately need to be “resolved”.
2h ago
(17:45 GMT)
US, UK top diplomats meet on Iran
US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott says that Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.The two discussed “their shared commitment to safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never develops or obtains a nuclear weapon”, according to Pigott.
3h ago
(17:35 GMT)
Significant part of new Hormuz route would go through Iran’s territorial waters: Iran’s deputy FM
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, has said his country is working on a “new model” for managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as part of an understanding with Oman.Under the planned arrangement, he says:Large parts of the designated shipping route will go through Iran’s territorial waters, while some parts will also pass through Omani territorial waters
Existing temporary routes – including a northern route near Iran’s Larak Island and a southern route in Omani waters – would be closed
The new route in Hormuz will be used for a period of two to four months or potentially longer.
3h ago
(17:30 GMT)
Far-right Israeli settlers enter Lebanon illegally; most escorted back: Israeli media
A small group of Israeli women affiliated with a far-right settler movement illegally crossed into southern Lebanon today, according to The Times of Israel, citing the Israeli military.The military has since located most of the group and escorted them back into Israeli territory, while efforts continue to locate remaining members, the report said.
The women are part of the Uri Tzafon Movement, a group that advocates establishing Israeli settlements in southern Lebanon, said The Times of Israel.
Several far-right Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have expressed support for Israeli settlements in southern Lebanon.
3h ago
(17:15 GMT)
If you’re just joining us
Here’s a look at the latest developments:- Iran and Oman say they have agreed on the geographic details of a proposed Strait of Hormuz shipping route, with Tehran saying only “one or two issues” remain. Iran says any deal would not immediately reopen the waterway and warns US actions could still affect security in the strait.
- Israel has launched attacks in southern Lebanon after accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire. The escalation follows an IED blast in Majdal Selem that Israeli media says killed two Israeli soldiers. An Israeli air strike on Tibnin later killed one person and injured 11, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will do “whatever it takes” for security “with or without a deal”, while praising US President Donald Trump as a close ally.
- Israeli forces continue raids across the occupied West Bank, including in Qalandiya refugee camp, where Palestinians have been detained, businesses shut and journalists assaulted.
- The Houthis say they targeted a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea as part of their naval blockade, while Gaza’s Health Ministry says the death toll from Israel’s war has reached 73,381.
- Iran says it is continuing regional exchanges with Pakistan and Qatar, while the US lifts sanctions on an Iraqi airline and aircraft linked by Washington to Iran’s IRGC.
3h ago
(17:10 GMT)
Iran-Oman understanding on Hormuz ‘on verge of being finalised’: Iran’s deputy foreign minister
We can now bring you more on the status of talks between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz.Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has said that an understanding has been reached between the two countries on almost all issues, including the location of entry and exit routes for maritime traffic.
In comments shared by Iran’s IRNA news agency, Gharibabadi said a final understanding between the two countries is “on the verge of being finalised”.
We’ll bring you more of his remarks shortly.
3h ago
(17:00 GMT)
Qatar PM joins Jordan’s king for meeting on occupied East Jerusalem
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has participated in a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman, according to a post by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X.The meeting brought together participants of the Arab Ministerial Committee tasked with international action to confront Israeli policies and measures in occupied East Jerusalem.
Officials discussed developments in Palestine, particularly Israeli escalation in occupied Jerusalem, and efforts to preserve the city’s Islamic and Christian identity.
They also discussed coordination among Arab countries on the issue of Jerusalem and ways to address ongoing developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.
3h ago
(16:45 GMT)
Iran’s control over Hormuz is its ‘biggest achievement of war’
Ali Akbar Dareini, a Tehran-based researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies, has said Iran is aiming to “stabilise” its control over the Strait of Hormuz, which is its “biggest military achievement of the war”.“Negotiations are aimed at stabilising those achievements,” Dareini told Al Jazeera. “You do not negotiate to give away your achievements but stabilise them.”
Once Iran opens up the strait, Dareini said Iran is still likely to put in place a mechanism to “ensure that peace will prevail”.
“Iran wants to make sure that there will be innocent passage … But there will not be hazardous passage, there will not be war,” he said, arguing that Tehran needs to ensure the US and its allies do not transport military equipment that could be used for attacks against it.
4h ago
(16:30 GMT)
Israeli forces assault journalists and issue demolition threats in raid on Qalandiya, occupied West Bank
By Nida IbrahimReporting from Qalandiya, occupied West Bank
Israeli forces have continued their raid on Qalandiya refugee camp, moving through the main streets, entering homes and shops, and issuing demolition threats against businesses, including a nearby car wash.
Residents say Israeli forces have also shut down businesses in areas under Jerusalem municipality boundaries, citing permit issues, disrupting livelihoods and daily life.
Journalists covering the raid say they have been targeted while reporting, with one reporter assaulted by Israeli soldiers and others facing stun grenades used to disperse them.
The purpose of the raid remains unclear, with residents questioning whether it is linked to arrests, intelligence operations or further restrictions on the camp.
The operation comes amid a surge in Israeli raids across the occupied West Bank, with Palestinians saying the number has risen to about 50 raids per day in recent weeks, intensifying fear and instability in communities.
4h ago
(16:20 GMT)
Loud explosion reported near vessel off Yemen’s coast, crew safe: UKMTO
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) says a vessel off the coast of Yemen has reported a loud explosion nearby.The incident took place 95 nautical miles (176km) southeast of Aden, Yemen, according to UKMTO, which added that all the vessel’s crew are “accounted for and safe”.
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