Trump asks Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon, reports Axios | | LIVE

Iran will exercise its sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz whatever it costs, deputy foreign minister says

The Strait of Hormuz is part of Iran's national security and it will exercise its sovereignty over it what ever that costs, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in interview with state TV on Tuesday.

Tehran currently has no commitments when it comes to the Islamabad MoU signed with the United States, he added.

Revolutionary Guards threaten regional energy exports

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have stated that as long as the United States’ “malicious actions” in the region continue, “not a single drop of oil or gas” will be exported from the region, according to Iranian state media.

The Revolutionary Guards also claimed that U.S. “aggression” would serve only to delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. They added that their attacks on what they described as U.S. facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain were in retaliation for U.S. strikes against Iran.

Trump asks Netanyahu to withdraw his forces from Syria and Lebanon, reports Axios

U.S. President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a telephone conversation on Thursday, for Israel to begin redeploying its forces out of Syria and urged him to do the same in Lebanon, reports the US media outlet Axios, citing U.S. and Israeli officials.

According to Axios, “Trump’s demands add to the mounting pressure on the Israeli leader.”

A U.S. official said that Trump had explained to Netanyahu that the Israeli military presence on Syrian territory was creating tensions and could lead to an escalation. “They don’t want you there. You should redeploy,” Donald Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, according to the official, adding that the same message applied to Lebanon.

The White House declined to comment on these reports, though it did not deny them, according to Axios. “The Prime Minister raised the need for security zones along Israel’s borders,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement quoted by Axios.

This telephone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu took place the day after a meeting between the U.S. President and his Syrian counterpart Ahmad al-Sharaa, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.

US military carries out further strikes on Iran, according to a US official

U.S. forces carried out further strikes against military targets in Iran earlier on Tuesday to eliminate “emerging threats,” a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters.

The official declined to provide further details, saying only that these were just a few additional strikes. The U.S. military had carried out a large-scale wave of strikes on July 13 against coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, as well as maritime capabilities, in several locations across Iran, including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas, according to the U.S. military.

Delivery driver reported missing in the Nabatieh district

Contact has been lost with a young man from Qaaqaïyet el-Jisr (Nabatiyeh) for several hours, his family said on Tuesday, according to our correspondent in South Lebanon. Abbas Mezher Mehdi, who worked as a delivery driver, had travelled to the al-Sawane area to deliver an order before entering the village of Zawtar el-Gharbiyé.

Since then, his relatives have been unable to contact him or establish his whereabouts. His family is appealing to anyone with information about him to contact the relevant authorities.

Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome: Washington describes discussions as ‘productive’

A U.S. State Department official said that the talks between Lebanon and Israel in Rome had been "productive" and would continue on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Hormuz: UN concerned about ‘serious socio-economic consequences’

The resumption of hostilities in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could have "serious socio-economic and humanitarian consequences," the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Tuesday.

“Reports of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are extremely worrying given their impact on human rights far beyond the region,” its head, Volker Turk, warned in a statement.

“This is a vital shipping route on which millions of people depend. Any disruption to the flow of food, medicines and other essential goods has serious socio-economic and humanitarian consequences, both regionally and globally,” it warned.

Houthis claim to have shot down Saudi reconnaissance drone

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed on Tuesday to have shot down a Saudi reconnaissance drone, the day after the first reciprocal attacks between the two sides following years of a truce in Yemen.

The rebels “successfully shot down a Saudi Wing Loong II reconnaissance drone whilst it was carrying out hostile missions at dawn today” in the center of the country, said the Houthis’ military spokesman, Yahya Saree, in a statement.

Death toll: Israel kills 4,324 people in Lebanon since March 2

The Health Ministry has released the latest death toll from the Israeli war on Lebanon.

Israel has killed 4,324 people and injured 12,223 others in Lebanon since it re-escalated its war on Lebanon on March 2, bringing the total number of casualties to 16,547.

Explosions heard on Qeshm Island, Iran, according to local media report

Iran: Explosions heard on Qeshm Island, according to the Fars news agency

Kuwaiti army announces interception of 'hostile aircraft'

Kuwait has announced that it is facing attacks in its airspace, whilst Iran has stepped up its strikes in the Gulf region in recent days against a backdrop of growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

“The armed forces are currently intercepting hostile aerial craft within Kuwaiti airspace,” the General Staff said, calling on the public to “follow the safety instructions issued by the authorities."

Trump: US imposing blockade on ships tied to Iranian ports or cargo

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that the Strait of Hormuz was open to all shipping except vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports or carrying Iranian cargo.

Trump said the United States would impose a "full blockade" on such ships, while also claiming that oil was flowing through the strait at record levels due to U.S. military operations.

He added that Gulf states would make major trade and investment commitments to the United States in place of a previously proposed 20% reimbursement fee.

UN rights chief: Renewed US-Iran fighting a 'huge setback' for civilians

U.N. rights chief: Renewed U.S.-Iran fighting is a "huge setback" for civilians, undermines peace efforts, according to Reuters.

Israel carries out detonations in Deir Siryan, Marjayoun, southern Lebanon

The Israel is carrying out detonations in Deir Siryan (Marjayoun). (Photo courtesy of Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)

Israeli drone strike targets Kfar Roummane, artillery shelling targets Kounin, Wadi al-Hujeir

An Israeli drone strike targeted Dohat Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh), our correspondent reported.

Separately, Israeli artillery shelling targeted Wadi al-Hujeir and Kounin (Bint Jbeil).

Further Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, reports our correspondent

• A second Israeli explosive device was detonated at the same location as the first explosion reported earlier today, causing a fire in the village of Ghandourieh (Bint Jbeil), where firefighters are currently at the scene.
• Israeli artillery has also shelled the outskirts of Shebaa (Hasbaya).
• Israel has also fired incendiary bombs on a wooded area in Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).

Netanyahu threatens Iranian leaders that Israel will retaliate in event of attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iranian leaders that Israel will retaliate in the event of an attack, as U.S. and Iranian strikes have resumed on an unprecedented scale since the April cease-fire.

“I say this to the Iranian leaders: do not expect calm if you attack us..., the days when you could strike us without us striking back decisively are over,” Netanyahu said at a conference, according to a video released by his office.

Norwegian tanker hit by blast off Oman

A Norwegian tanker was struck by an explosion caused by an unidentified object off the coast of Oman early Tuesday, with no casualties reported, crisis management firm MTI Network said, citing the shipping company.

At around 12:40 a.m. local time, the Stolt Magnesium tanker, sailing in the Arabian Sea off Oman's coast, was hit by an explosion from an unidentified external device, according to MTI Network, citing operator Stolt Tankers.

The blast sparked a fire in the vessel's engine room, but the crew was "safe and accounted for," an MTI Network spokesperson said.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that a tanker had been struck by an "unknown projectile" in the starboard-side engine room about 40 nautical miles northeast of Qalhat, Oman.

Israel says ready to move forward with two 'pilot zones' in Lebanon

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Tuesday that Israel was ready to "move forward" with the implementation of two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon as the two countries begin a new round of negotiations in Rome.

"We are ready to move forward with the implementation of these two pilot zones. I hope and believe this round of talks in Rome will help achieve that," Saar said in Jerusalem, describing the U.S.-mediated process as "the only way forward."

The two countries, which have technically been at war for decades, reached a framework agreement for a "lasting peace" on June 26 following five rounds of negotiations in Washington. Under the deal, Israel is expected to withdraw from two areas that would be handed over to the Lebanese Army.

Explosive device detonated in Ghandourieh, ambulances still unable to reach site due to security situation

An explosive device detonated on a side road in the town of Ghandourieh, (Bint Jbeil.) Ambulances have so far been unable to reach the site of the explosion due to the security situation on the ground, preventing confirmation of any casualties or an assessment of the extent of the damage.

Separately, Israeli forces carried out demolitions of homes in the town of Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh). The blasts were heard across the Nabatieh region, and smoke was seen rising from the area.

Areas of Iran's Abadan County and Mahshahr hit by US projectiles

Areas of Iran's Abadan County and Mahshahr hit by U.S. projectiles, state media says, according to Reuters.

Israeli military vehicles spotted in Zawtar Sharqieh; artillery shells outskirts of Qantara

Israeli military vehicles were spotted moving through the town of Zawtar Sharqieh in the Nabatieh district, with the nature of the movement still unclear, our correspondent in the south reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Qantara in the Marjayoun district.

‘This war is a disaster,’ Omani foreign minister says

Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi says the war on Iran “has achieved none of its officially assigned objectives” and lacks a UN mandate.

“This war is a disaster,” he wrote in an opinion piece published in the French newspaper Le Monde.

The minister added: “Nevertheless, if it finally buries the myth of containment in the Gulf, then there is reason for hope: the emergence of a fairer, more realistic and more effective system, thus correcting nearly half a century of strategic errors.”

For him, the most serious threats to the region do not come from Tehran but from Tel Aviv, he said.

Iran condemns UK’s designation of IRGC as security threat

Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned the decision, calling the move “unjustified” and “irresponsible”.

The ministry said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was an official part of Iran’s armed forces and accused the UK of violating international law by targeting a state institution.

The UK on Monday banned support for the IRGC and a linked group, under new powers aimed at preventing foreign states from using proxies for activities such as surveillance and sabotage.

Iran, which is at war with the United States and Israel, has previously denied using proxies.

More explosions reported in southern Iran

Four locations in Bushehr – in southwestern Iran and home to nuclear facilities – have been hit by U.S. missiles, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reports.

Iranian state television earlier reported at least five blasts were heard near the southern city of Bandar Abbas.

New explosions heard in southern Iran

Residents of the southern Iranian villages of Bushehr and Shoghadak, along the Persian Gulf coast, reported hearing new explosions, according to Reuters.

GCC slams attacks on UAE tankers in Hormuz

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has denounced Iranian attacks on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi calling it “an explicit violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2817, which stresses the necessity of protecting international navigation and refraining from targeting commercial vessels or endangering maritime lanes”.

In comments relayed by Al-Jazeera, Albudaiwi said the GCC stands firmly with the UAE and supports all measures taken to protect its security, sovereignty and vital interests.

He called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by taking decisive action to halt repeated Iranian attacks, hold those responsible accountable and safeguard international navigation.

The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks exchanged between the US and Iran around the Gulf region.

Israeli burning of houses, artillery shelling, and stun grenades continue targeting towns in southern Lebanon

• For the second time, an Israeli drone drops a stun grenade over Bouyout al-Sayyed (Sour), and burns houses in Zawtar al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh.)
• Israeli artillery shelling targeted the area between Deir Siryan and Adchit (Marjayoun).
• Israeli drone drops sound grenade over Mansouri (Sour).
• An Israeli drone dropped a sound grenade between homes in the Al-Siyad area of Mansouri (Sour), our correspondent in the south reported.

US strikes kill 3 in Iran overnight in Hormozgan Province

Three killed in Iran's Hormozgan Province in overnight U.S. strikes, Fars News reported.

Hormuz won't open with 'US aggressions and war,' Iran's army spokesman says

Iran's army spokesman says Hormuz won't open with "U.S. aggressions and war," Iran's Student News Network reports, according to Reuters.

Israeli drone drops sound grenade in Mansouri

An Israeli drone dropped a sound grenade between homes in the Al-Siyad area of Mansouri (Sour), our correspondent in the south reported.

China urges US and Iran to restore safe shipping in Strait of Hormuz

China on Tuesday called on the United States and Iran to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after the two countries resumed tensions over the strategic waterway.

"Respecting the legitimate rights and interests of the states bordering the Strait of Hormuz and restoring safe and normal shipping through the strait as soon as possible are the common aspirations of the international community," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing.

Missile strikes tanker off Oman, UK maritime agency says

A tanker was hit by a missile while exiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Tuesday.

The vessel reported being struck while transiting the southern outbound shipping lane. The incident occurred Monday about 13 nautical miles southeast of Limah, Oman, according to the agency.

It was not immediately clear whether the attack was the same incident reported earlier by the United Arab Emirates, which said two of its tankers were targeted by Iranian missiles in the strait, killing one crew member.

South Lebanon: Israeli army carries out new demolition in Zawtar al-Gharbieh

The Israeli army continued its daily demolitions in south Lebanon, with a new controlled explosion reported in the occupied village of Zawtar al-Gharbieh, north of the Litani River in the Nabatieh district, our correspondent reports.

Israeli forces also carried out heavy machine-gun fire near the coastal village of Byout al-Sayyad (Sour), while an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade in the area.

Air raid sirens sound again in Bahrain

Air raid sirens sounded again across Bahrain for the fourth time this morning, Reuters reported. The interior ministry urged residents to "remain calm and take shelter in a safe place nearby."

Earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had launched missiles and drones at the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Israeli army demolishes more buildings in south Lebanon overnight

The Israeli army carried out another night of demolitions in south Lebanon, blowing up homes and other buildings in several border villages despite the June 19 cease-fire.

Around 10:30 p.m., Israeli troops demolished houses in Haddatha and Kounin (Bint Jbeil district). After 2 a.m., similar demolitions targeted Majdal Zoun (Sour district) and Tiri (Bint Jbeil district).

Trump backs Saudi strikes on Houthis, Axios reports

U.S. President Donald Trump gave Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the green light to launch military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, according to two U.S. officials cited by Axios.

The reported decision came after the bombing of Sanaa International Airport and subsequent Houthi retaliation against southern Saudi Arabia, effectively ending the informal truce between Riyadh and the Houthis that had been in place since 2022.

Washington to reinstate naval blockade of Iranian ports

President Donald Trump said the United States will reinstate its naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz following renewed fighting with Iran.

"We are reinstating the BLOCKADE OF IRAN — so named because it only prevents Iranian ships or Iran's customers from entering or leaving. All other nations will enjoy free and fair access to the Strait," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The U.S. military said the blockade will take effect Tuesday at 8 p.m. GMT.

Trump says Iran deal still 'possible'

Donald Trump said Monday night that an agreement with Iran remains "possible" despite renewed U.S. strikes and the reinstatement of the naval blockade.

Asked in the Oval Office whether he still believed a deal with Tehran could be reached, Trump replied: "Yes, I think a deal is possible. Of course I do."

Oil prices climb again

Oil prices rose further after the latest U.S. strikes on Iran, with Brent crude briefly topping $85 a barrel for the first time in more than a month.

WTI crude gained 1.6% to $79.39 a barrel, while Brent rose 1.2% to $84.29 after reaching an intraday high of $85.62 during Asian trading.

Iran says memorandum of understanding is 'in crisis'

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there was "no doubt" that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding was "in crisis."

"Iran has never been the first to violate its commitments," he said, adding that mediation efforts by Qatar, Pakistan and Oman were continuing to prevent further escalation.

The memorandum had provided for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz through a single shipping lane along Iran's coast.

Overnight: US and Iran exchange new strikes

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh strikes overnight as tensions escalated across the region.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out a five-hour operation targeting military sites in the southern Iranian port cities of Bushehr and Bandar Abbas. No casualty figures were immediately available.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launched missile attacks on several sites in Bahrain, including a facility hosting the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and targeted a U.S. base in Jordan, which said it intercepted four missiles.

The UAE also reported Iranian missile strikes on two of its oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others. Both vessels caught fire but the blazes were brought under control.

Separately, a missile struck a site used by an Iranian Kurdish opposition group east of Erbil in northern Iraq, Reuters reported, citing security sources. No casualties were immediately reported.

Good Morning

Welcome to our live coverage of developments in the Middle East, where tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz following another night of heavy exchanges between the United States and Iran.

We'll also be following developments in Yemen after the internationally recognized government bombed Houthi-controlled Sanaa airport and the Houthis retaliated by firing toward Saudi Arabia.

In Lebanon, we are monitoring continued Israeli strikes, demolitions and the ongoing occupation of areas along the southern border.

Catch up on what you missed yesterday and what to keep an eye out for today by reading our 👉Morning Brief.