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
- Late supreme leader's wisdom will be remembered for generations: Pakistan PM
- France, UK ready to deploy militaries to support transit in Strait of Hormuz
- PM Sharif, CDF Munir attend Iran's late supreme leader’s funeral ceremony
- Iran envoy says friendly nations to get 'special' Hormuz fee treatment
- Lebanese president urges US to 'keep standing' by country
Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon continue
Published: July 5, 2026 | 16:05 GMT | by AFP
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reports that Israeli attacks have hit the towns of al-Mansouri and Tallousah in the last few hours, AL Jazeera reported.
These attacks come despite the framework agreement signed late last month by Israel, Lebanon and the US, meant to solidify the shaky ceasefire in place between Israel and Hezbollah.
Erdogan praises Pakistan's Islamabad MoU efforts
Published: July 4, 2026 | 16:05 GMT | by Web Desk
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their role in advancing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, saying their "invaluable efforts played a major role in achieving this outcome."
Addressing a joint press stakeout in Istanbul, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's support for diplomacy, saying, "We too have supported and continue to support every step that will help to reduce tensions in our region and resolve issues through diplomatic means."
He also slammed Israel for fueling regional instability, saying the "war-addicted Israeli government" must not be allowed to "once again engulf our region in the smell of gunpowder and blood."
PM Sharif thanked Türkiye for its "strong and steadfast support" for Pakistan's peace efforts, saying they had "culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," while reaffirming with Erdogan that "dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only sustainable path" to resolving disputes.
For earlier developments, read our July 3 live blog here
