China rejects report of air-defense missile shipment to 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 on Wednesday's top developments here:

• Iran denies any link to projectiles fired at targets in Saudi Arabia
• Pakistan, Egypt express concern over Palestine, condemn Israeli military actions
• Jordan army says intercepted five Iranian missiles
• CENTCOM says IRGC has no authority over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes
• Israeli air strikes target residential street in Gaza City

Iran’s FO says US attack on Qeshm only ‘make Iranians more determined, united’

Published: July 30, 2026 | 19:34 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has said that US attack on Qeshm pained the “heart of every conscientious human being,” stating that Washington’s action “only make Iranians more determined and united in defending their homeland.”

“These crimes, which evoke the terrorist actions of ISIS and are carried out under the guise of "peace through force" with the aim of punishing a nation for insisting on its rights, dignity, and independence, will never produce authority or credibility for the criminals,” the spokesperson said in a post on X.

US sanctions six entities and individuals over support for Iran's IRGC

Published: July 30, 2026 | 18:24 GMT GMT | by Web Desk

The United States has imposed sanctions on six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran for enabling Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to a statement by the US State Department.

The statement said the sanctions include entities that support Mahan Air, which it described as the IRGC's airline of choice for transporting weapons, military personnel, and equipment.

The State Department also said the measures target DadeNegar Startup Studio, describing it as an IRGC-affiliated front company that supports Iranian military targeting by “soliciting locations of American and Israeli equipment” in the Middle East.

The United States said it will continue to “expose and disrupt” entities that provide the IRGC with the tools and information it uses to threaten American personnel, its partners, and regional stability.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb developments 

Published: July 30, 2026 | 17:35 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the developments in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X. 

“The two foreign ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments,” the foreign office said. 

“Both sides welcomed Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to discuss the grave situation in Palestine, particularly East Jerusalem,” it said, adding that the two agreed to remain in close contact. 

UNRWA says Israel continues to expand Gaza ‘Yellow Line’

Published: July 30, 2026 | 13:28 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli military has advanced its so-called “Yellow Line” across multiple areas of Gaza, including eastern Deir el-Balah (Middle Area), Gaza City and Khan Younis, according to UNRWA’s latest situation report.

The UN agency said multiple forced evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were issued over the past week, affecting several humanitarian facilities, including more than 10 UNRWA premises.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces routinely open fire on and kill Palestinians they say are inside the “Yellow Line”. This is an area that remains part of the occupied Gaza Strip under international law.

UNRWA also added that the operating environment in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with a “significant escalation in hostilities” reported in the humanitarian area, or “green zone”, west of the “Yellow Line”.

Separately, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the restricted-access zone had expanded to cover 64.9 percent of the Gaza Strip by June 2026, up from 53 percent earlier this year.

Hamas moving towards Gaza disarmament deal: Report

Published: July 30, 2026 | 13:28 GMT | by Web Desk

Palestinian movement Hamas is progressing towards a deal involving the decommissioning of its weapons, sources familiar with the ongoing talks with mediators in Cairo told AFP.

A Hamas source added, however, that they were still in the process of making amendments to the proposal.

"We continue to advance the implementation roadmap that offers a balanced and pragmatic path forward, with all weapons decommissioned and a phased transition of responsibilities taking place to hand over full authority to the technocratic government," a diplomatic source told AFP.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said there would be "no exceptions for certain weapons or certain people. One authority, one law, one weapon."

The roadmap would create "a process for the elimination of all tunnels, depots of weapons and any weapons production facilities," the source said.

"All weapons, heavy and light, will be under full control of the NCAG in coordination with and with the support of the ISF," the source added, referring to the International Stabilization Force, a fledgling body envisaged to comprise multinational troops operating under Trump's Board of Peace.

The source said a verification mechanism would ensure compliance by each side.

A Hamas source familiar with the talks told AFP that the movement is "awaiting the Israeli response to the amendments we recently submitted to the mediators."

The source said the amendments concerned two articles in the roadmap presented by the Board of Peace.

Regarding the article concerning weapons, the Hamas source said that "some points were removed, and alternatives were proposed."

"There is broad understanding on the definition of heavy weapons, and a formula has been developed that emphasises the concept of restricting and storing heavy weapons, disbanding armed groups and a simultaneous Israeli withdrawal," the Hamas source added.

China rejects report of air-defense missile shipment to Iran

Published: July 30, 2026 | 13:28 GMT | by Web Desk

China has denied a report that Iran was poised to receive 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers within weeks, calling the account “not true and not factual at all,” Al Jazeera reported. 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news briefing in Beijing that China had made “its position clear on relevant issues on multiple occasions”.

“The reports are not true and not factual at all,” she said, adding that Beijing “always works for peace and the end of the conflict”.

Oil prices drop amid Iran-Oman discussions on Hormuz

Published: July 30, 2026 | 13:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Oil prices have ticked downward as Tehran and Muscat trade proposals for an agreement governing the management of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

Brent futures fell $1.42, or 1.56%, at $89.32 a barrel just before 13:30 GMT after hitting a high of $93.31.

US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost $1.14, or 1.35%, at $83.32, after reaching a high of $85.94.

“The fact that Oman is in talks with Iran could suggest that progress is being made on re-opening the Strait of Hormuz,” said Hamad Hussain, a climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics.

GCC chief condemns Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Jordan

Published: July 30, 2026 | 12:43 GMT | by Web Desk

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks on the territories of Kuwait and Jordan, describing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and international law, Al Jazeera reported.

In a statement, Albudaiwi said the attacks represented a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability. He affirmed the full solidarity of GCC member states with the two countries and their support for all measures taken to protect their security and sovereignty.

Qatar condemns Iranian attacks on Jordan and Kuwait

Published: July 30, 2026 | 12:11 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan and Kuwait on Thursday, describing them as a “flagrant violation” of both countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of international law and the UN Charter, Al Jazeera reported.

In a Foreign Ministry statement, Qatar warned that the attacks risked widening regional escalation and undermining diplomatic efforts to contain tensions. It called for an immediate end to all military actions and a return to dialogue and negotiations.

“The continuation of these attacks constitutes a dangerous escalation that will complicate efforts to contain tensions and undermine political and diplomatic endeavours aimed at achieving security and stability in the region,” the ministry said.

Qatar reaffirmed its full solidarity with Jordan and Kuwait and its support for measures taken to protect their sovereignty and security.

Talks with Oman officials over Strait of Hormuz are ongoing, says Iran FM spokesperson

Published: July 30, 2026 | 11:57 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson says talks with Oman in Tehran were continuing through several rounds, while blaming the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption to international shipping on US and Israeli military actions, Al Jazeera reported.

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the discussions with Omani officials, which began last week in Tehran, were ongoing and that further meetings had been held on Thursday.

“What is clear is that currently, the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to American actions and the insecurity that America has imposed on this waterway,” Baghaei told the ILNA news agency. “International shipping is being harmed and damaged solely because of American actions.”

He said the situation was the result of “military aggression” by the US and Israel that began on March 28 and continues in various forms. Baghaei cited attacks on Iranian vessels, what he called an illegal blockade of ports and transit routes, and continuing strikes against Iran.

Iran's Guards say three members killed in US attack on northwest

Published: July 30, 2026 | 11:05 GMT | by AFP

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday that three of its members were killed in an attack by the United States on the northwestern province of Zanjan.

"In the brutal attack carried out by the terrorist regime of the criminal United States on 30 July 2026, three brave and devoted members of the Ansar al-Mahdi IRGC in Zanjan province... attained martyrdom," the Guards' provinicial branch said in a statement, according to Tasnim news agency.

Eurozone economy grows despite Middle East war

Published: July 30, 2026 | 10:11 GMT | by AFP

The eurozone economy grew more than expected in the second quarter of 2026, data published Thursday showed, proving its resilience despite the energy shock from the Middle East war.

The EU's statistics agency said the 21-country eurozone grew by 0.4% in the second quarter.

The figure is higher than the 0.2% predicted by economists for Bloomberg, and 0.1% by analysts for financial platform FactSet.

Eurostat said the single currency area recorded zero growth in the first three months of 2026, a welcome second revision from the 0.2% contraction according to revised data published in June.

Fire at Egypt's Damietta port caused by drone attack: PM's office

Published: July 30, 2026 | 09:59 GMT | by AFP

The Egyptian government said Thursday that a fire the day before at the port of Damietta was caused by a drone attack, the first to target the country since the outbreak of the Middle East war.

Authorities had reported two gas ships were damaged by Wednesday's blaze, which private security monitor UK-based Ambrey said started with a drone attack on a US-owned-and-operated LNG floating storage vessel.

While energy facilities elsewhere in the region have been hit by drones and missiles over the course of the United States and Israel's war on Iran, Egypt had so far been spared.

The cabinet said that a preliminary investigation into the incident determined "it resulted from a drone", noting no one had claimed responsibility.

It added that the inquiry was ongoing "to determine the circumstances of the incident and to take the necessary measures to preserve Egypt's interests and national security".

The port authority said in a statement that operations were ongoing as normal despite the attack.

Mideast war supercharges electric car sales: IEA

Published: July 30, 2026 | 06:59 GMT | by AFP

Soaring fuel prices due to the Mideast war have supercharged sales of electric cars in the second quarter, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales jumped 35% in the second quarter from the first three months of this year, hitting records in 50 countries, the IEA said in a new report.

"Despite a challenging backdrop for the global car market, sales of electric cars surged in the second quarter of this year as the energy crisis sparked by the war in the Middle East brought fuel price volatility back into sharp focus," it said.

Crude oil prices soared from around $60 a barrel at the start of the year to nearly $120 after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz -- through which a fifth of the world's oil normally transits -- after Israel and the United States launched attacks in February.

Pakistan, Türkiye FMs express deep concern over Israeli actions in Gaza, West Bank 

Published: July 30, 2026 | 06:45 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's and Turkish foreign ministers have expressed deep concern over the continued Israeli military actions in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank. 

A post on X by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday stated, "Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, H.E. Hakan Fidan."

"The two Foreign Ministers exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, with particular focus on the grave situation in Palestine," the post said. 

The two foreign ministers expressed "deep concern over the continued Israeli military actions in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, and the worsening humanitarian situation."

The two leaders "reaffirmed their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and discussed Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to coordinate diplomatic efforts in support of the Palestinian people."

Jordan's army says shot down five Iranian missiles

Published: July 30, 2026 | 05:55 GMT | by AFP

Jordan's military in a statement on Thursday said its air defenses shot down five missiles coming from Iran that targeted the kingdom's territory, adding that the attack caused no casualties.

The military's official spokesperson said "air defenses engaged five missiles launched from Iran targeting the Kingdom's territory early this morning, Thursday. The missiles were detected, intercepted, and shot down according to established defense plans," the statement said.

US strike kills three in Qeshm: Iranian media

Published: July 30, 2026 | 04:51 GMT | by AFP

A US attack killed three people, including a two-year-old, on Iran's Qeshm island, the Fars news agency reported on Thursday after the US military said it wrapped up a heavy wave of strikes.

"A US attack on a residential home in the Chah Tangu neighbourhood of Qeshm killed three members of a family: the father, the mother, and their 2-year-old child," Fars reported citing the Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, adding that two other children were injured.

US defense secretary holds meeting with  Israeli prime minister 

Published: July 30, 2026 | 04:21 GMT | by Web Desk

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

A post shared on the US defense secretary's X account on Thursday stated: "Earlier today I had the pleasure to meet with Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu."

"Members of my team, including @USWPColby and @SeanParnellASW, joined me to reaffirm the strength of our defense partnership and commitment to advancing our shared security interests," the post said.

Three trapped under rubble in Qeshm as US strikes hit Iran

Published: July 30, 2026 | 04:13 GMT | by Web Desk

A residential building on Qeshm Island was struck in US strikes, leaving three people reportedly trapped beneath the rubble, Al Jazeera reported, quoting Iranian officials. 

They added that the island has been affected by power outages and that efforts are underway to restore electricity.

Officials also said two people injured in the attack have been taken to hospital, while crews continue clearing debris.

'Heavy wave' of US strikes against Iran completed: CENTCOM

Published: July 30, 2026 | 02:42 GMT | by AFP

The United States military completed a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said as Washington resumed attacks on Tehran after a lull.

CENTCOM said late Wednesday that its forces "successfully completed a heavy wave of strikes against Iran in response to yesterday's attempted missile attacks on U.S. forces," and struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard targets including military command centers.

Attacks reported around Iran's Qeshm island, Abadan city: Iranian media

Published: July 30, 2026 | 01:55 GMT | by AFP

The US military struck locations around Iran's Qeshm island and Abadan city, Iranian media reported on Thursday citing regional authorities, as American attacks resumed after a lull.

"At 04:00 am (0030 GMT) a point near Qeshm was attacked by the American enemy military," said Ahmad Nafisi, the deputy governor of the southern Hormozgan province, according to news agency Mehr.

"Points around Abadan city were attacked by missiles by the terrorist enemy of America," the Fars news agency reported, citing the deputy governor of Khuzestan.

US military launches 'powerful' retaliatory strikes on Iran

Published: July 30, 2026 | 00:45 GMT | by AFP

The United States military launched "powerful" retaliatory strikes on Iran on Wednesday, marking the first attacks on Iranian soil in nearly a week.

"The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East," US Central Command said, noting the attacks began at 8 pm (0000 GMT).

Trump says US will hit Iran ‘very hard’

Published: July 29, 2026 | 20:02 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump reiterated a threat to strike Iran “very hard” as the Middle East war reignited.

“We’re going to be hitting them very hard, because it’s our turn to hit them; they know it’s coming,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

“We’ll see if we get there with an agreement at some point,” he added.

For earlier developments, read our July 29 live blog here