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 condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist Israeli minister, settlers 
  • EU’s surrender to American coercion’ against Iran evidence of incompetence: Baqaei
  • Gaza health officials say five killed in Israeli strikes
  • PM Sharif meets Iranian President in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Iran says two killed in US attack on island in Hormuz

Oil extends gains, stocks drop as Trump issues fresh Iran warning 

Published: Sept 1, 2026 | 02:41 GMT | by Web Desk


Oil prices extended gains Tuesday amid fears of a fresh bout of military exchanges between the United States and Iran following a flare-up at the weekend and Donald Trump's warning that he will hit the country "hard."


The price of West Texas Intermediate went up by 0.9% to $86.54 per barrel, whereas Brent North Sea Crude went up 0.6% to $91.06 per barrel.


Trump vows to hit Iran 'hard' after first exchange of fire in weeks

Published: Sept 1, 2026 | 01:41 GMT | by AFP


US President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to hit Iran "hard" after the two foes traded fire for the first time in weeks, as his Treasury secretary vowed to keep up a pressure campaign aimed at hobbling Tehran's economy.


"We're going to hit them hard," Trump said, according to a Fox News reporter who spoke to him briefly. "There will be a response."



Monday at a glance

Published: Sept 1, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk


US President Donald Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz was in extremely good shape, with the US averaging 30 ships a night through the contested waters, adding that a lot of oil was coming out of the strait, which was why oil prices had not gone up. 


Iran continued condemning countries and political groups siding with Trump in the Economic D-Day against Tehran. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, said on X that the European Union appeared to be “surrendering its sovereignty, its laws and regulations, its values and its ethics to American coercion.”


“The Union’s endorsement of America’s unlawful economic war constitutes a grave violation of international law, too,” he said, adding that every EU member state should be held accountable for the consequences of its contribution to this “wrongful act.”


Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, where the two leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Islamabad and Tehran.


Separately, Iran condemned renewed US attacks on its island of Larak and stated that strikes by Iranian forces on bases in Jordan were "legitimate defense."


Israeli airstrikes killed five people around Gaza City, a local hospital and rescuers said, with the Israeli army claiming it had targeted Hamas operatives.


For earlier developments, read our Aug 31 live blog here.