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 Sunday's top developments here:
- Trump says new talks with Iran to begin Monday after calling off strikes
- Israeli strikes kill 13 in Gaza
- Araghchi says Iran-Oman negotiations enter final stages
- Iran, Pakistan ties reach as high as Damavand, K2: Ambassador
- Iran media denies Trump claim that Tehran asked US not to strike
Qatar, Egypt, Turkey condemn Israel over Gaza 'violations'
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 21:54 GMT | by AFP
Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, which are mediating the truce in Gaza, on Monday criticized Israel after renewed strikes in the Palestinian territory reportedly killed over 20 people.
The trio said they strongly condemned what they said were "ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, particularly the targeting of health facilities and infrastructure, and the casualties among civilians, including women and children".
The situation was "a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law", they added in a joint statement.
Trump says oil firms making 'too much money' from Iran shortage
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 19:30 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump said that major oil companies are making "too much money" due to high prices stemming from the crude shortage caused by the Iran war.
"I don't like it. They're making too much money, okay? Based on a shortage, they're making too much money," Trump told journalists at the White House.
Trump says Iran talks happening 'right now'
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 17:46 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump said that negotiations with Iran were happening "right now," describing it as a final opportunity for Tehran to make a deal.
Talks are "going on right now," Trump told journalists at the White House, adding: "This is a last chance for them to sign a good document," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Talking about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “It’s not very complex. We’re talking about the opening of the Strait [of Hormuz] and having it open, literally, by tomorrow, completely open. And that’s phase one.”
“Phase two is we’ll then talk about the nuclear capacity … basically the denuclearization of Iran,” he adds, noting that it “has to happen,” he added.
US CENTCOM says blockade against Iran continue
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 17:46 GMT | by Web Desk
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces continue to strictly enforce the US blockade against Iran.
In a statement, CENTCOM said that as of Aug. 3, US forces had redirected 44 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two while enforcing the blockade.
Iran clarifies mediation roles
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 17:35 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Pakistan remains the main mediator in discussions between Iran and the United States, while Qatar assists when necessary, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.
Baqaei made the remarks while responding to media reports claiming China was mediating between Tehran and Washington over the Strait of Hormuz.
"The mediator in the discussions related to Iran and the US is Pakistan, and Qatar also helps in cases where necessary," Baqaei said.
He added that China was not acting as a mediator but, as a close friend of Iran, had been working with other countries to help prevent further escalation in the Persian Gulf.
Trump tells Iranians to negotiate or surrender
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 16:11 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump lashed out Monday after Iran denied it was in negotiations with the United States, declaring in an angry social media post that a US military blockade will continue until there is a "Deal, or Total surrender."
The strait, Trump insisted, "is already completely controlled by the United States Navy and our 'Blockade' or, as some say, 'The United States Wall of Steel!' Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished."
Calling Iran "duplicitous" for "openly and proudly" saying it was not negotiating, Trump wrote: "Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking of a solution to a problem that they have caused, for decades."
Pakistan, Iran exchange views on regional, international developments
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 14:37 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with the Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and exchanged “views on regional and international developments, including the deteriorating situation in Occupied East Jerusalem.”
The deputy prime minister also invited FM Araghchi to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.
Iran foreign ministry says currently no negotiations with US
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 12:42 GMT | by AFP
Iran's foreign ministry said Monday there were currently no negotiations with the United States, but talks were taking place with Oman on management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
"We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz," said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press briefing.
Iran has kept control of Hormuz since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East on February 28.
It has insisted that ships transiting the waterway, which is crucial for the global energy trade, should use a route designated by Iran after requesting permission and paying service fees.
Baqaei described the talks with Oman as "constructive", saying they were aimed at reaching an agreement on a new route.
Saudi oil tankers take longer route around Africa
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 10:58 GMT | by Web Desk
Six Saudi-flagged oil tankers have changed their course from the Bab al-Mandab Strait and are now using a route around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, according to Iranian news outlet Fars.
Satellite imagery and maritime tracking data recorded the route changes, according to the report.
The vessels rerouted to avoid attacks by Houthi forces.
Oil flows continue through Hormuz as tensions persist
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 10:04 GMT | by Web Desk
Limited oil shipments continue through the Strait of Hormuz, with vessels using the Omani shipping lane despite regional tensions, CNN reported.
According to the American news outlet, Marik's estimated crude flows at three million to five million barrels per day, compared with about 20 million barrels before the conflict. This represents roughly 20% of global supply.
Meanwhile, Red Sea traffic remained stable despite a blockade warning from the Houthis.
Iran, Iraq officials hold talks on regional issues
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 9:37 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran and Iraq discussed regional matters and future cooperation during a phone call between their foreign ministers, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported.
The conversation between Abbas Araghchi and Fuad Hussein focused on maintaining coordination and dialogue between Tehran and Baghdad on issues affecting both countries, according to IRNA.
Iran, Oman discuss new Strait of Hormuz route
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 9:16 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran has discussed plans with Oman to establish a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said during a televised press conference, according to Al Jazeera.
The proposed route would use a single path with separate lanes for vessels entering and leaving the waterway, Baghaei said.
Iran says Oman route talks do not change Hormuz Strait status
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 7:12 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that an understanding between Iran and Oman on a new route does not mean the Strait of Hormuz is being opened or closed.
According to Al Jazeera, Baqaei said the talks on the new route should not be interpreted as a change in the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Asian stocks mixed as Middle East War concerns ease, tech volatility continues
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 4:22 GMT | by AFP
Asian stock markets were mixed Monday as easing concerns about the war in the Middle East supported investor sentiment, while technology shares faced renewed pressure after a sharp rally among major chipmakers.
South Korea's Kospi index fell at the start of the week, with chipmakers SK hynix and Samsung Electronics each declining about 7% after the index posted a record 17.9% gain on Friday. SK hynix had surged 30% and Samsung nearly 27% during the previous session.
The moves came after a week of heavy volatility in technology stocks linked to artificial intelligence investments, with investors reassessing the outlook for the sector following sharp gains.
Tokyo stocks also declined, while Shanghai, Sydney, and Singapore recorded losses. Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Wellington and Jakarta gained during the session.
The mixed performance followed a strong session on Wall Street, where Amazon shares climbed more than 15% after the company reported quarterly profit and revenue that exceeded forecasts.
Microsoft also posted strong results, supporting investor confidence in artificial intelligence-related investments.
Oil prices fall nearly 5% after US announces new Iran talks
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 00:29 GMT | by AFP
Oil prices tumbled on Monday in early Asia trade after US President Donald Trump announced fresh talks with Iran to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The war, which began in late February when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, has caused oil prices to swing sharply as it effectively closed the waterway, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies.
At around 2250 GMT on Sunday, the price of a barrel of Brent North Sea, the benchmark international oil contract, for September delivery was down 4.69% at $83.81.
Its American equivalent, West Texas Intermediate, fell 4.67% to $80.72.
Trump said on Sunday that fresh negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday after holding off on major strikes against the Islamic Republic to pursue a deal.
"Now what we're doing is we're talking to them in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon," he said, without providing further details of the venue of the talks or the participants.
Hours after the US called off major strikes on Iran on Sunday, he said it was nearing a deal with Oman over a new route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tanker off Oman reports explosion near vessel: monitor
Published: Aug 3, 2026 | 00:24 GMT | by AFP
The master of a tanker off the coast of Oman has reported hearing an explosion near the vessel, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre reported Sunday.
"The vessel and crew are all reported as safe," said the UKMTO. The master is the highest-ranking person on an oil tanker.
The incident happened 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) northeast of Khasab, in Oman, the monitor added.
"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity," the UKMTO advised.
New US-Iran talks to begin today after Trump 'holds' planned strikes
Published: Aug 2, 2026 | 22:20 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump said that negotiations with Iran will begin Monday after he decided to hold off on new strikes against the Islamic republic to pursue a deal.
"Obviously, they don't want to be attacked. They knew the extent of the attack because they saw it forming," Trump told reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One. "Now what we're doing is we're talking to them in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon."
Israeli strikes kill 13 in Gaza
Published: Aug 2, 2026 | 20:48 GMT | by AFP
Israeli strikes on Gaza hit multiple residential buildings, killing at least 13 people, authorities said Sunday, despite Hamas saying it agreed to the latest stage of a deal to end the war.
Hamas said Friday it had agreed to a plan championed by US President Donald Trump, which includes provisions for Hamas to hand over its weapons and for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Israel has yet to comment on the agreement officially, but a political source has told AFP "that there will be no withdrawal whatsoever" without Hamas's "genuine disarmament."
For earlier developments, read our Aug 2 live blog here