Trump says Iran talks happening 'right now'

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 Monday's top developments here:

• Qatar, Egypt, Turkey condemn Israel over Gaza 'violations'
• Trump says oil firms making 'too much money' from Iran shortage
• Trump says Iran talks happening 'right now'
• US CENTCOM says blockade against Iran continues
• Trump tells Iranians to negotiate or surrender

Dow jumps 1.3% to end at record as oil prices tumble

Published: Aug 4, 2026 | 00:34 GMT | by AFP

The Dow powered to a fresh record Monday in a US equity market cheered by lower oil prices as US President Donald Trump insisted talks were ongoing with Iran.

All three major US equity indexes ended solidly higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.3% to 53,178.41, a new all-time high. Oil prices fell more than 4%, even as Iran denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place.

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 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.

For earlier developments, read our Aug 3 live blog here