Strait of Hormuz
Egypt, Oman and Türkiye seek Islamabad MoU revival over Hormuz
Diplomatic efforts to revive the Islamabad MoU gain momentum as Egypt, Oman and Türkiye engage Tehran, while falling Strait traffic and renewed US-Iran tensions raise concerns over global energy supplies; Lebanon faces fresh Israeli strikes.
3 HOURS AGO
Middle East Roundup, Aug 23: ‘Diplomacy, dialogue’ key to peace, Malaysia praises Pakistan’s US-Iran mediation role
Malaysian minister says Islamabad’s diplomatic experience highlights dialogue’s role in easing regional tensions, as Iran warns over US sanctions; Israeli strikes kill 3 in Gaza, and Saudi Arabia condemns Damascus attack.
August 23, 2026
Middle East Roundup, Aug 21: Araghchi says Trump’s ‘economic operation’ bound to fail
Türkiye issues an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over an investigation into Israel’s interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza; Tehran rejects Trump’s 'Economic D-Day' as the UN and China urge diplomacy, while Brent crude tops $93 and the Dow plunges about 700 points.
August 21, 2026
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Gaza diplomacy intensifies as regional tensions persist
Trump hails Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, congratulates the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye; Hamas says it asked Board of Peace to 'compel' Israel to accept the Gaza plan; Muslim countries condemn Israel's rejection of Trump's Gaza plan.
August 17, 2026
Middle East Roundup, Aug 16: ‘Very Happy’: Trump welcomes Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Congratulates the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, and declares the pact a 'big, bold, and important first step; Muslim countries condemn Israel's rejection of Trump's Gaza plan; Hamas says it asked Board of Peace to 'compel' Israel to accept Gaza plan.
August 16, 2026
Middle East Roundup, Aug 14: Trump’s Hormuz claim sparks Iranian vow to retain control
The US president claims he would 'soon' declare the Strait of Hormuz waterway part of US territory after defeating Iran
August 15, 2026
Middle East Roundup, Aug 13: Iran calls for compensation after Hormuz oil spill
Iran warns of environmental degradation after an oil spill reaches Qeshm, seeking compensation from those responsible; Trump says that the US forces are in total control of the strategic strait and will 'keep it'; Israel defense minister vows troops to stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza.
August 13, 2026
Oil spill off Oman reaches coastline: state media
An AFP investigation finds that the ship had been stranded for weeks near Oman's Al-Qibliyyah island after it was damaged by explosions.
August 13, 2026
Middle East Roundup, Aug 12:Trump says US will 'keep' Hormuz strait control
Says the United States is in control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and will "keep it"; IEA sharply cuts 2026 oil demand forecast as Hormuz closure and high prices weigh on consumption; Israeli forces close Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, barring Muslim worshippers during Jewish holidays.
August 12, 2026
Middle East Roundup, Aug 11: World warns Israel as West Bank faces worst displacement since 1967
The UN Security Council convenes an urgent session on the deteriorating West Bank situation, with Pakistan warning that settlement expansion, settler violence and Israeli measures are eroding prospects for Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Israel-Lebanon talks are set to resume in September amid fresh strikes, while US-Iran diplomacy remains focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
August 11, 2026