Araghchi says Pakistan remains key channel in Iran-US contacts

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 Friday’s top developments here:

White House says Trump joked about Hormuz claim

Published: Aug 15, 2026 | 00:56 GMT | by Web Desk

A senior White House official said President Donald Trump was joking when he said the United States would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran.

According to Wall Street Journal reporter Brian Schwartz, the official said Trump had not discussed such a move with his advisers. 

Schwartz also noted that Trump chuckled after making the remark during his speech in New York.

Araghchi says US talks undecided

Published: Aug 15, 2026 | 00:30 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran had not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States, according to semi-official ISNA.

Araghchi said Qatar and Pakistan remained in contact with Tehran and continued exchanging messages, but stressed that this “does not mean negotiations.”

He said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding referred to an “end to the war,” rather than a ceasefire, and therefore did not involve a 60-day truce requiring an extension. He added that previous diplomatic channels were no longer effective and Iran was pursuing a temporary framework that could eventually develop into a final agreement.

Friday’s developments at a glance

Published: Aug 15, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk

The US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of regional tensions, with President Donald Trump saying he will soon declare the strategic waterway US territory after defeating Iran. Tehran rejects the claim, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi insisting the strait “has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian.”

The maritime confrontation intensifies as the UAE says Iran attacked two vessels linked to state-owned ADNOC while transiting Hormuz, while ADNOC later confirms one of its vessels came under attack. Iran maintains that the waterway will remain under its control, while Iraqi oil exports rise to their highest daily average since the conflict began.

Washington also signals continued economic pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatens Iran with “economic isolation, like the world has never seen,” while Vice President JD Vance says keeping oil and gasoline prices low for Americans is the administration’s top priority in the conflict.

In the occupied Palestinian territories, Israeli actions continue to draw condemnation, with Palestinian officials accusing Israel of expanding its authority in West Bank settlements. Israeli forces also detain a Palestinian child as settlers attack residents near Hebron.

Pakistan meanwhile urges restraint in Yemen, condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping while calling for a renewed UN-backed political process. Islamabad also emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy in discussions with US officials on bilateral ties and regional peace.

For earlier developments, read our Aug 14 live blog here.