Qatar rejects Israeli media reports alleging agreement to military action against Iran

This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.

Catch up Wednesday's top development's here:

• US aircraft fired on ship that tried to break Iran ports blockade: US military
• Iran's Araghchi visits Doha days after Iranian attacks
• US expands sanctions targeting Iran oil, cryptocurrency sectors
• Jordan military says downed 3 ballistic missiles from Iran
• Iran Guards say targeted US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain: state media

US forces launch new strikes against Iran: US military

Published: July 16, 2026 | 18:48 GMT | by Web Desk

US forces launched strikes against Iran for a sixth night in a row on Thursday, the US military said.

The strikes -- which began at 1800 GMT -- were carried out to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities," US Central Command said in a post on X.

Iran talking to US, very much wants to make a deal: White House

Published: July 16, 2026 | 18:27 GMT | by Web Desk

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that Iran was “very much” in talks with the US and wanted to make a deal, Al Jazeera reported.

“Iran very much continues to talk to the United States of America and express that they want to make a deal with us because they are suffering devastating blows on behalf of our US military,” she said in a briefing.

Qatar rejects Israeli media reports alleging agreement to military action against Iran

Published: July 16, 2026 | 16:55 GMT | by Web Desk

The International Media Office of the State of Qatar categorically rejected what it described as false reports published by Israeli media outlets alleging that Qatar had agreed to participate in “military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In a statement, the office said the allegations were circulated by “individuals seeking” to draw Qatar into the conflict, undermine its pivotal mediation role, and push the region towards further escalation and chaos.

It noted that Qatari officials have repeatedly affirmed since the outset of the conflict that the State of Qatar has not participated and will not participate in any military action against any of its neighbouring states.

The statement further stressed that Qatar would not allow such misleading allegations to undermine its active diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end. It added that the country would continue its good offices in coordination with its regional and international partners to reach a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties.

US ‘seeks to hit Iran and advance its interests’: Ghalibaf

Published: July 16, 2026 | 16:19 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s top negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says Iran has “no choice but to rely on our own strength and become stronger”, adding that the US “seeks to hit Iran and advance its interests whenever it can”.

“This is not limited to war, negotiations, or just this current US president,” he said in a statement issued on social media,.

“So our view of war or negotiations must be based on national interests and security, realistic and long-term; therefore, we have no choice but to rely on our own strength and become stronger.”

Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attacks on the Gulf, Jordan

Published: July 16, 2026 | 14:45 GMT | by Web Desk

Saudi Arabia is condemning Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strongest condemnation of Iran’s continued unjustified attacks on the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, affirming its full solidarity with the sisterly states in the measures they are taking regarding the treacherous Iranian aggressions,” its social media post said.

Qatar condemns repeated Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait

Published: July 16, 2026 | 14:04 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar has strongly condemned what it described as repeated Iranian attacks targeting the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Kuwait.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar said the attacks constitute a “blatant violation” of the sovereignty of the three countries and a “flagrant breach” of international law.

The ministry emphasized the need to spare the region from the repercussions of what it called “unjustified attacks.” It also stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation efforts in order to strengthen security and stability at both the regional and international levels.

Qatar further reiterated its full solidarity with Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, affirming its support for all measures taken by the three countries to uphold their sovereignty and security.

Kuwait military says responding to new Iran drone attacks

Published: July 16, 2026 | 11:25 GMT | by AFP

Kuwait's military said it was responding to renewed Iranian aerial attacks on Thursday as Iran and the United States exchanged strikes over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

"Kuwaiti air defences are currently engaging hostile drone attacks following the Iranian aggression," Kuwait's army said in a statement as an AFP journalist reported sounds of explosions near the Gulf state's capital, Kuwait City.

Drone strikes ship off Iraqi port: security official

Published: July 16, 2026 | 11:07 GMT | by AFP

A drone struck a ship located off the port in Iraq's southern province of Basra on Thursday, a security official told AFP.

The ship, which was "carrying American-branded cars", had arrived from the United Arab Emirates and was hit near an oil terminal, the official said.

Iraq's oil ministry said it was verifying reports of an unspecified "object" falling on a tanker.

Kuwait condemns continued Iranian aggression

Published: July 16, 2026 | 10:42 GMT | by Web Desk

The State of Kuwait condemned, in the strongest terms, what it described as the continuation of Iran's "heinous aggression" against its territories, saying the actions represent a persistent aggressive approach and a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The statement said the continued actions constitute a grave breach of the rules of international law, the United Nations Charter, and Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026.

The ministry said the State of Kuwait holds Iran “fully responsible” for the continuation of these aggressions and their consequences. It added that the persistence of what it described as an “aggressive approach” against the State of Kuwait and all other member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab States exacerbates escalation and tension and undermines the security and stability of the region, demanding that Iran immediately cease these aggressions.

The ministry also emphasized that the State of Kuwait will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its territories, its people, and the residents therein, safeguard its interests, and reserves all its legitimate rights in accordance with the provisions of international law.

Iran slams 'barbaric' US attack after hospital evacuated due to nearby strike

Published: July 16, 2026 | 10:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Tehran on Thursday accused the United States of carrying out a "barbaric attack" after a cancer hospital in Iran's southwest was forced to evacuate due to nearby strikes.

"This barbaric attack, reminiscent of Israel's atrocities against healthcare facilities, caused severe suffering and anxiety upon the hospitalized children," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on X, saying "211 patients undergoing chemotherapy" were evacuated.

Iran will defend its national security as long as it takes, says FM spokesperson

Published: July 16, 2026 | 10:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei says the US aggression against the country is a blatant violation of international law and the Islamabad MoU signed between the two parties, according to state-run Press TV.

Some people in Israel want war to continue indefinitely, says Vance  

Published: July 16, 2026 | 09:27 GMT | by Web Desk

US Vice President JD Vance said that some figures in Israel want the conflict with Iran to continue "indefinitely," according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited his interview with Joe Rogan.

Vance also alleged that certain members of the Israeli government have sought to influence US public opinion on the war with Iran while working to derail efforts aimed at negotiating an end to the conflict.

“There are some people within their system, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely,” Vance said in a three-hour conversation with the podcaster Joe Rogan this week. “Not toward any objective, but just indefinitely.”

US, Iran exchange blows in rekindled Mideast war

Published: July 16, 2026 | 07:50 GMT | by AFP

The United States struck Iran and Tehran hit back at US allies in the Gulf on Thursday, as the foes battled over the vital Strait of Hormuz in the renewed Middle East war.

The key oil and gas artery, which Iran insists it controls, is central to the rekindled fighting that has entered its sixth day despite the foes' preliminary deal in June aiming to end the war.

US forces hit Iranian military targets in multiple locations, including coastal Bandar Abbas, to "degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners" in the Strait of Hormuz, Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

Earlier strikes had targeted coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in the Gulf, CENTCOM added.

Iran's official IRNA news agency reported explosions in several areas of the country on Thursday, including Lorestan in the west and Senman in the north, while air defenses were triggered in parts of Tehran.

Soon after, US allies in the Gulf began reporting attacks, with Kuwait saying it intercepted Iranian drones and Bahrain sounding air raid sirens.

Pakistan urges US, Iran to end hostilities, resume talks 

Published: July 16, 2026 | 07:43 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan has urged the United States and Iran to end hostilities and resume technical-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming its commitment to regional peace. 

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan would continue encouraging all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that there was no alternative to peaceful negotiations.

He also highlighted the adverse impact of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz on global energy supplies, trade, and food security. 

Pakistan expressed hope for early normalization and pledged continued diplomatic engagement to support regional stability and de-escalation.

US appreciates Iran's goodwill gesture, says Trump 

Published: July 16, 2026 | 07:23 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that it appreciates Iran's goodwill gesture, after it allowed a US citizen to leave the country. 

"Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the “presidency” of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country." 

"She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!," President Trump wrote in his post.

US president weighing options for expanding operations in Iran

Published: July 16, 2026 | 06:35 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump has been presented with various options for expanding the US military campaign in Iran, according to two individuals familiar with the discussions, according to CNN. 

The options were reportedly discussed during a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday, which focused on potential measures to increase pressure on Iran and reduce its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

In the last five days, the United States has conducted daily strikes against Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz. The latest strikes, carried out on Wednesday, targeted Greater Tunb Island, a small island in the strait that has been used as a base by the Iranian military.

Quoting US officials, CNN reported that the purpose of these attacks is to weaken Iran’s ability to disrupt commercial shipping through the waterway. 

However, they noted that eliminating targets such as missile systems and radar installations could also help prepare the ground for broader US military actions that Trump is considering.

The two officials said Trump is currently evaluating possible operations to seize Kharg Island, a key center for Iran’s oil exports, as well as strikes on underground facilities at Pickaxe Mountain, which are believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

Tehran threatens regional infrastructure if US attacks Iran's

Published: July 16, 2026 | 06:35 GMT | by AFP

Tehran warned Thursday it would target regional infrastructure if the United States carried out threats to attack Iran's infrastructure, as the war in the Middle East resumed.

The spokesman for Iran's military headquarters said that if the US followed through on its threats, "all infrastructure in the region" would be "crushed under the steel blows" of Iran's armed forces.

Israel tells Pentagon chief will keep troops in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza 'security zones'

Published: July 16, 2026 | 06:35 GMT | by AFP

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart Pete Hegseth early Thursday that Israel is determined to keep its forces in "security zones" it has carved out inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Katz's office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister "emphasised Israel's determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel's borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by jihadist forces".

Iran Guards say struck US base in Jordan

Published: July 16, 2026 | 04:51 GMT | by AFP

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Thursday they had struck a US air base in Jordan with ballistic missiles in response to what they described as an American attack near a children's cancer hospital in Iran.

The IRGC said US forces had "used air bases located in Jordan to target various parts of Iran, including the vicinity of a children's cancer hospital", and that its aerospace force responded by "launching two waves of missile strikes" on the bases in Jordan, according to their website.

Iran army says struck US targets in Kuwait, Bahrain with drones: State media

Published: July 16, 2026 | 04:26 GMT | by AFP

Iran's army said on Thursday it carried out drone attacks against US bases and facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, state TV reported, after the United States carried out strikes on the Islamic republic.

Iran's military said it targeted "radar systems, a Patriot air defense system, and fuel storage facilities at Ali Al Salem Air Base" in Kuwait and US military facilities at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, IRIB reported.

US approves nearly $2B in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

Published: July 16, 2026 | 04:23 GMT | by AFP

The US State Department said Wednesday it has approved the sale of an estimated $1.96 billion in weapons to bolster Saudi Arabia's air defenses, as the war ramps up in the Middle East.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region," the State Department said in a release.

Among the weapons the Gulf kingdom seeks are up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems and its warheads, which the US Navy's website describes as "an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat."

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems in Nashua, New Jersey, the department said.

"The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with US forces, and other regional and NATO forces," the release said.

Iraq PM condemns 'drone attack' over Erbil: Statement

Published: July 16, 2026 | 04:01 GMT | by AFP

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned a "drone attack" that violated the airspace of Erbil in the northern Kurdistan region, his office said Thursday, after several drones were shot down.

"We have directed the relevant security agencies... in coordination with the Region's security forces, to take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such attacks and to thwart anyone attempting to harm the security of our noble Iraqi society, wherever they may be," he said, without identifying the source of the drones.

Iran army says targeted US military facilities in Jordan: State media

Published: July 16, 2026 | 02:40 GMT | by AFP

The Iranian army said on Thursday that it targeted US military facilities in Jordan with drones, state media reported, after the United States carried out another wave of strikes on Iran.

"The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that... in response to the enemy aggression, it targeted the communication systems and fuel storage facilities of the U.S. military in Jordan using suicide (kamikaze) drones," state television IRIB said.

US military says 'latest wave' of strikes on Iran completed

Published: July 16, 2026 | 01:56 GMT | by Web Desk

The United States said it completed its "latest wave" of strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure to reduce threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“US forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” the US Central Command said in a post on X.

“CENTCOM used precision munitions to hit targets in multiple locations including Bandar Abbas,” it added.

Earlier, the US struck coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island during a 90-minute wave.

Air defenses activated in Tehran, explosions heard in north, west Iran: reports

Published: July 16, 2026 | 01:56 GMT | by AFP

Air defenses were heard in parts of Tehran on Thursday morning, state media said, and explosions rang out in northern and western parts of the country.

"So far, no casualties have been reported in Tehran by official authorities," state news agency IRNA reported. Explosions were heard in parts of the western Lorestan province and Semnan in the north, IRNA and the Mehr news agency reported.

Asia stocks tumble on tech worries, Mideast war

Published: July 16, 2026 | 01:09 GMT | by AFP

Stocks in Asia fell sharply in early trade Thursday amid concerns about technology share overvaluation and ongoing violence in the Middle East.

Japan's Nikkei 225 was 3.16% lower at 66,579.31 points, while South Korea's Kospi was down 6.21% at 6,831.80. Oil prices inched higher, with WTI up 0.64% to $80.11 per barrel and Brent Crude up 0.41% to $85.36 per barrel.

Kuwait intercepts drones from Iran, Bahrain sounds sirens

Published: July 16, 2026 | 00:28 GMT | by AFP

Kuwait said on Thursday it was intercepting Iranian drones, while air raid sirens rang out in Bahrain, following another night of American strikes on Iranian territory.

In a statement on X, the Kuwaiti army said they were "engaging hostile drone attacks following the nefarious Iranian aggression". Bahrain's interior ministry urged citizens and residents to "remain calm and head to the nearest safe place".

US forces launch new wave of strikes against Iran: US military

Published: July 15, 2026 | 19:46 GMT | by AFP

The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday in a bid to curb Tehran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said.

The strikes -- which started at 1900 GMT -- "are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz," US Central Command said in a post on X.

For earlier developments, read our July 15 live blog here