This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments
- US launches third round of strikes against Iran, CENTCOM says
- IRGC Navy says Strait of Hormuz temporarily closed until further notice
- Iran, Oman to continue technical talks on Hormuz Strait
- US lawmaker 'detained' by Israeli settlers in West Bank
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia express deep concern over recent escalations
Gaza health officials say Israeli strike, gunfire kill five
Published: July 12, 2026 | 19:05 GMT | by AFP
Gaza's civil defence and hospitals said an Israeli drone strike and gunfire killed five people and injured several others on Sunday.
Civil defence officials said a drone targeted a metal workshop in a southern district of Gaza City, the territory's main urban centre, killing four people and injuring others.
Al-Shifa hospital said it had received the four bodies.
UN chief calls on US and Iran to halt new outbreak of fighting
Published: July 12, 2026 | 18:01 GMT | by AFP
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the United States and Iran Sunday to halt their new outbreak of fighting in the Mideast war and resume talks to end it.
Guterres specifically mentioned US attacks on Iran and the latter's strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and US allies in the Gulf region. "These attacks must stop," Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
One killed, two injured in attacks on southern Iran: state media
Published: July 12, 2026 | 17:19 GMT | by AFP
Iranian state media reported Sunday that an employee of a telecommunications company was killed in attacks in the southern province of Hormozgan on the Gulf, as hostilities resumed between Tehran and Washington.
"Following the enemy attack on Farur in Bandar Lengeh, one employee of the Mobile Communications Company of Iran was killed while carrying out his duties, and two of his colleagues were injured," the IRNA state news agency reported.
Projectiles hit Iran's Gulf Island of Qeshm: state media
Published: July 12, 2026 | 16:51 GMT | by AFP
More than 10 projectiles struck Iran's Gulf Island of Qeshm in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, state media reported.
"Between 10 to 11 enemy projectiles have struck Qeshm Island since Sunday afternoon," Hossein Amir Teymouri, governor of Qeshm township, told the IRNA state news agency, adding that "all of the targets were military" and that there had been no casualties.
Pakistan expresses 'deep concern' at escalation in regional tensions
Published: July 12, 2026 | 15:27 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan on Sunday urged all sides to “exercise restraint” taking immediate steps towards de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
“Pakistan remains committed to providing all support towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement added.
The FO statement reiterates the mediator’s support for “the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of all brotherly countries in the region.
Trump says US hit Iran 'very hard' in latest attacks
Published: July 12, 2026 | 14:00 GMT | by AFP
President Donald Trump said Sunday the United States hit Iran hard in response to its latest attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
"We hit them very hard last night," Trump told CNN by telephone in an interview centering mainly on the death of Senator Lindsey Graham.
Trump said the United States and Iran had been close to "a deal" on Saturday. "They were giving up everything, and then all of a sudden two hours after that they hit a ship with a drone," he said.
US military says 'traffic is flowing' in Strait of Hormuz
Published: July 12, 2026 | 13:24 GMT | by AFP
The US military insisted Sunday that ships are moving through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran's claim to have closed it in the latest flare-up of the Mideast war.
"Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing," CENTCOM, which oversees US forces in the Middle East, said on X.
Two Palestinians killed in Israeli drone attack on Gaza City
Published: July 12, 2026 | 12:31 GMT | by Web Desk
Two people have been killed and several wounded in an Israeli drone strike on the Sabra neighbourhood in Gaza City, AL Jazeera reported.
An immediate forced evacuation order was also issued by the military for the same area.
Israel continues its near-daily air attacks on Gaza with at least 1,092 people killed and 3,507 wounded since a “ceasefire” came into effect in October 2025, according to AL Jazeera.
Overnight US strikes killed Iranian soldier: Media
Published: July 12, 2026 | 10:45 GMT | by AFP
Overnight US strikes on Iran killed one soldier, Iranian media reported Sunday after fighting resumed between the foes.
"Lieutenant Hamidreza Dehghani, of the navy of the Islamic republic's armed forces, was martyred during the criminal, terrorist attack last night by the United States on the port of Jask" in southern Iran, the Mehr and Tasnim news agencies said, citing a local official.
Qatar calls Iran attacks on its territory, Arab neighbors a 'dangerous escalation'
Published: July 12, 2026 | 10:07 GMT | by AFP
Qatar on Sunday condemned Iranian attacks against its territory and its neighbors, after the Islamic republic launched salvos against Arab countries.
"Qatar condemns in the strongest possible terms the renewed attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran," the foreign ministry said in a statement, also referring to the targeting of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait and calling the barrages a "dangerous escalation".
Saudi Arabia condemns Iran's 'continued destabilizing behavior'
Published: July 12, 2026 | 09:27 GMT | by Web Desk
Saudi Arabia condemned "Iran's continued destabilizing behavior towards the region's security and stability" on Sunday.
A post shared on X by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strongest condemnation and denunciation of Iran's continued destabilizing behavior towards the region's security and stability, and its violation of the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the rules of good neighborliness, as evidenced by the repeated Iranian attacks on commercial ships, which threaten the security and freedom of navigation."
Oman condemns attack on its territory: State media
Published: July 12, 2026 | 08:41 GMT | by AFP
The Omani government lambasted on Sunday an attack on its territory, state media announced, with Iran's Guards saying they targeted it during a barrage aimed at countries across the Gulf.
The Oman News Agency said on X that "the Sultanate of Oman affirms its condemnation and denunciation of this attack", which came just hours after the country hosted Iran's foreign minister to address security issues in the Strait of Hormuz.
UK House of Lords member appreciates Pakistan FM's role in advancing regional peace
Published: July 12, 2026 | 08:41 GMT | by Web Desk
UK House of Lords member Aamer Sarfraz appreciated the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s "continued and proactive role in advancing regional peace and stability."
A post shared by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "Lord Aamer Sarfraz called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50."
"Lord Sarfraz appreciated the Deputy Prime Minister’s continued and proactive role in advancing regional peace and stability."
Jordan army says three Iranian missiles fell inside country
Published: July 12, 2026 | 07:05 GMT | by AFP
Jordan's army said Sunday that three Iranian missiles fell on the kingdom's territory at dawn amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the United States.
"Three missiles fired from Iranian territory fell at dawn in several locations across the kingdom, without causing any casualties. The damage is limited to minor material losses," said a military source quoted in an army statement.
Pakistan's FM urges parties to de-escalate in call with Iranian counterpart
Published: July 12, 2026 | 06:27 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed that the involved parties should follow the path of de-escalation and show restraint, as agreed in the Islamabad MOU in June.
He stressed this in his conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday.
A post shared on X by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with His Excellency Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
"Both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation."
The post further said, "DPM/FM stressed upon the parties to follow the path of de-escalation and show restraint, as agreed in the Islamabad MOU in June 2026. He further underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region."
It added, "DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability."
"The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact," the post concluded.
Kuwait armed forces responding to aerial attacks: Statement
Published: July 12, 2026 | 05:21 GMT | by AFP
Kuwait's military on Sunday said its air defense forces were working to intercept an ongoing attack on its territory, as countries across the Gulf were targeted by drones and missiles.
"The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosion sounds heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks," the military said in a statement posted on social media.
Iran Guards say struck second vessel in Strait of Hormuz: State media
Published: July 12, 2026 | 04:51 GMT | by AFP
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced they had hit a second vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, state media reported, after closing the key waterway and trading strikes with the United States.
"A second vessel accused of violating regulations in the Strait of Hormuz has been struck," the Guards said in a statement carried by state television IRIB, adding they had also attacked a US base in Qatar.
US CENTCOM says completed third round of strikes against Iran
Published: July 12, 2026 | 03:45 GMT | by Web Desk
US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed a third round of strikes this week against Iran, July 11, holding Iranian forces accountable for attacking another commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, said a statement released by US CENTCOM on X on Sunday.
"US forces hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets with precision munitions launched by land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels," the statement said.
It added, "Targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations."
The CENTCOM post said, "During three nights of strikes this week, CENTCOM has struck more than 300 targets at the direction of the Commander in Chief to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait."
Explosions heard over Qatar capital: AFP
Published: July 12, 2026 | 03:43 GMT | by AFP
Explosions were heard over Qatar's capital on Sunday, AFP journalists reported, after the United States struck Iran over a vessel coming under attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
AFP correspondents saw interceptions in the sky above Doha, a key mediator between Washington and Tehran, as residents received messages on their phones urging them to "remain in their homes and safe places".
Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain: Interior ministry
Published: July 12, 2026 | 03:40 GMT | by AFP
Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, AFP reported, quoting the Bahraini interior ministry.
UAE air defenses engage Iranian missile and drone attacks, ministry says
Published: July 12, 2026 | 02:37 GMT | by Web Desk
The UAE Ministry of Defense said the country's air defenses are currently engaging in missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran.
According to the statement, the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
The ministry said UAE air defense systems are actively engaging missiles and UAV threats.
Crew of ship attacked in Hormuz abandon vessel
Published: July 12, 2026 | 02:10 GMT | by Web Desk
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the crew of the container ship struck in the Strait of Hormuz have abandoned the vessel and boarded a lifeboat.
It says the update came from military authorities and the ship’s company security officer.
Saturday developments at-a-glance
Published: July 12, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk
Military tensions escalated sharply on Saturday as the United States launched a third round of strikes against Iran following an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the temporary closure of the strategic waterway.
Despite the escalation, regional diplomacy continued, with Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan calling for dialogue, restraint and the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The United States said its latest strikes targeted Iran after the IRGC attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, leaving one civilian crew member missing and the vessel unable to continue its voyage. The IRGC, meanwhile, said it had temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz, warning that no vessels would be permitted to pass until it ended what it called US interference in the region.
Diplomatic engagement continued alongside the military escalation. Iran and Oman agreed to continue political and technical talks on navigation and maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar and the United Arab Emirates stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and the implementation of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also expressed deep concern over the latest escalation, calling for maximum restraint and renewed mediation efforts.
For earlier developments, read our July 11 live blog here