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 Wednesday's top developments here

  • Trump says negotiations with Iran could take place 'at some point' 
  • Pakistan condemns Israeli attacks against Syria 
  • UAE halts all trade, financial dealings with Iran
  • UN chief calls far-right Israeli minister's Gaza remarks 'dangerous' 
  • Negotiations with US ‘does not mean surrender’: Pezeshkian 


Wednesday’s important developments at a glance
Published: Aug 20, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk


US President Donald Trump said late on Wednesday announced a major new campaign to target Iran's economy, threatening "tremendous" punishment on any country that helps or does business with Tehran. Surprisingly, Trump also said that negotiations with Iran could take place “maybe at some point.”


While also talking about negotiations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that negotiations with the US “does not mean surrender,” adding that war was not the goal for Tehran. The president said that Iran was proceeding step by step in the course of negotiations, while upholding wisdom, dignity, and expediency. 


Stock markets mostly eked out gains while oil prices climbed further as higher global bond yields, fueled by inflation and debt concerns, rattled confidence and took a heavy toll on technology stocks.


Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said it was suspending all trade and financial dealings with Iran after reporting an Iranian missile attack directed at its ships. Iranian Foreign Office spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei "categorically rejected” the claim, calling it harmful to regional trust and security efforts.


Separately, Pakistan strongly condemned the unprovoked attack carried out by Israeli occupation forces on Abu al- Duhur Airbase in Idlib, Syria, stating that “such provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, and have the potential to further undermine regional peace and stability.”


Turkiye also rejected Israeli allegations that it posed a threat by preparing to send troops to a base in Syria, which was hit in the strike carried out by Israel.


For earlier developments, read our Aug 19 live blog here.